With Mike Evans gone, the rookie standout is flashing "Mike-like" athleticism and building crucial chemistry with Baker Mayfield to secure a significant role in the Tampa Bay offense.
Ted Hurst III shined on Day 14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' training camp while his fellow wide receivers were sidelined or doing individual workouts.
Hurst stepped up as the first option. He made a spectacular jumping catch before colliding with safety Antoine Winfield Jr., and both fell to the ground.
Both recovered from the collision, and practice continued. Hurst continues to strengthen his chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield, catching a slant pass over the middle of the field.
He ran deep routes, too, and scored a touchdown in the red zone. Those are the "X" receiver traits the Buccaneers lost when Mike Evans left for the San Francisco 49ers in free agency.
Hurst has received comparisons to the franchise legend. Pewter Report's Scott Reynolds has called the rookie "Mike-like" on multiple occasions throughout camp.
There is no replacing Evans' consistency as a 1,000-yard receiver, but Hurst is making strides in his development as a contributor for Tampa Bay.
After practice on Aug. 9, he said his focus has been on being a pro and learning his role on the team. His teammates are intentional in their reps and attack them with intensity, which has inspired Hurst to approach his career with the same mindset.
Tampa Bay's third-round pick got his first taste of preseason action in its thrilling 24-16 victory over the New York Jets last Friday. Hurst finished with two receptions for 19 yards, as quarterback Connor Bazelak struggled to find him in the first half.
He'll have a chance to redeem his performance and show what he's done in practice against the Kansas City Chiefs this Saturday.
Coach Todd Bowles said he expects to play the starters, but is unsure of how much he will play them. Egbuka and McMillan will miss the game and watch on the sidelines due to injury.
It could be the first time Hurst and Mayfield's connection gets tested in a real-game scenario. The rookie earning snaps with the starters is an encouraging sign for the Buccaneers.
They dealt with injuries to the corps last season. Evans, Godwin and McMillan missed significant portions of the year, which could have played a role in Mayfield's down year, throwing for under 4,000 yards for the first time in a Buccaneers uniform.
If Hurst continues to make plays and impress throughout camp and the preseason, he can develop into a dependable receiver when the starters are out.
