Which Bucs WRs Will Step Up With Egbuka Sidelined

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be getting a big offensive boost with the return of starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, but the injury report is still littered with key players.

Emeka Egbuka and Luke Goedeke being sidelined will make Sunday's task against the division-leading Carolina Panthers even more-difficult.

But, the Bucs have receiving depth outside of Egbuka that have shown the ability to step up during injuries in the past.

Rookie wideout Ted Hurst III is one player I expect to see an uptick in targets, as Mayfield targeted the Georgia State product early and often when he was healthy.

In Tampa's most-recent loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hurst tied his NFL career-high with 40 yards, hauling in three catches.

In our Buccaneers draft profile on Hurst, Roundtable's Jeremy Ballreich outlined what makes Hurst so effective.

"Patient off the line, deceptive in his pacing, and sharp at the top of his stems,” Ballreich wrote. “He understands how to manipulate leverage, set up defenders, and create separation without wasted motion. His footwork is crisp, and he consistently wins with timing and precision."

Hurst has a great combination of size and speed, meshing a 6-foot-4, 206-pound frame with 4.42-40 speed.

Expect Mayfield to lean on his big target to get comfortable as he makes his return.

Chris Godwin Jr. is another player who needs to have a big day, as he is yet to eclipse 50 yards receiving in a game this season.

Godwin has dealt with his fair share of injuries and ailments over the past few seasons, but had a very encouraging offseason.

“He's working out. He’s tough. He's very smart," head coach Todd Bowles said about his longest-tenured player. "They rely on him for a lot of the mental part of it. and he's very helpful that way, but he also makes plays, and he looks good.”

Thus far, Godwin is yet to find the endzone, but is second in receiving with 216 yards, trailing Egbuka (240).

Tez Johnson is another player who should see increased action, as he has fallen to WR4 on the normal depth chart.

But, Johnson has still shown flashes of the big-play ability he displayed in college and during his rookie season.

In Tampa's lone victory of the year, Johnson capitalized on his only target, hauling in a 64-yard grab - the team's longest of the season.

Against a Panthers secondary that has been susceptible to giving up big plays via the pass this season, expect offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to look to dial up a shot for Johnson dow the field.