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Chris Godwin Jr. Chris Godwin Jr. Another muted performance
Tue, Sep 29, 2026, 2:33 PM
Godwin gathered in three of four targets for 25 yards during Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Vikings.
Analysis: Godwin ranked third among Buccaneers wide receivers in snap share (62 percent) behind Ted Hurst (75 percent) and Emeka Egbuka (74 percent) in Week 3, resulting in his least productive performance of the season. On top of that, Godwin hasn't been targeted more than four times in a game so far on the campaign. With undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels set to take over Tampa Bay's offense for at least a few contests in the wake of Baker Mayfield's dislocated right thumb, Godwin doesn't have an ideal situation in which to build momentum from week to week. |
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Jalen McMillan Jalen McMillan MRI reveals PCL sprain
Mon, Sep 28, 2026, 7:03 PM
McMillan has been diagnosed with a PCL sprain in his left knee, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: McMillan originally suffered a knee injury during training camp in early August, and this is believed to be an aggravation of that issue. The 24-year-old didn't play Week 1, logged just seven offensive snaps Week 2 and then lasted just two offensive snaps this past Sunday versus Minnesota before exiting due to the injury. Per Laine, the "early thinking" on McMillan's timeline suggests a 6-to-8 week absence, which makes him a candidate for IR. All of Ted Hurst, Tez Johnson and Kameron Johnson could be slated for larger roles with McMillan expected to be out for the foreseeable future. |
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Kenny Gainwell Kenny Gainwell Struggles as rusher in Week 3 loss
Mon, Sep 28, 2026, 6:50 PM
Gainwell turned three carries into minus-four yards and added two catches on five targets for 14 yards in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Vikings. He also returned six kickoffs for 160 yards and added a tackle.
Analysis: Gainwell is now averaging just 2.1 yards per carry through the first three games of the regular season. He was utilized heavily as a pass catcher with the Steelers in 2025, but so far he has only six receptions (on 10 targets) for 22 yards. His 32 snaps on offense was slightly fewer than Bucky Irving (36), but the scoring floor of Gainwell and the rest of the Buccaneers' skill players will likely be lower for at least the next three weeks without Baker Mayfield (thumb) at the helm. Undrafted free agent Jalon Daniels will be the Bucs' QB1 in Mayfield's absence, starting with a Week 4 home tilt against the Packers this Sunday. |
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Jalen McMillan Jalen McMillan Injury is aggravation of previous issue
Mon, Sep 28, 2026, 6:19 PM
McMillan aggravated the left knee injury he dealt with during training camp, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: McMillan departed Sunday's Week 3 loss to Minnesota after logging just two offensive snaps. He underwent an MRI on Monday, the results of which reportedly indicated that the wideout is dealing with an aggravation of the issue he picked up during camp in early August rather than a new injury. However, it's not yet clear how serious McMillan's injury is or how much more time, if any, he's slated to potentially miss. The Buccaneers' practice reports throughout this week should provide more clarity about McMillan's likelihood of suiting up Sunday versus Green Bay. |
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Bucky Irving Bucky Irving Feeling fine after late exit Sunday
Mon, Sep 28, 2026, 12:04 PM
Head coach Todd Bowles said that Irving won't be included on the Buccaneers' Week 4 injury report, despite missing the final two possessions of Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Vikings, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Bowles didn't specify why Irving was off the field late in Sunday's contest, but any physical issue the running back might have been dealing with doesn't look like it will prevent him from playing Week 4. Despite logging a season-low 51 percent snap share, Irving still earned 17 touches (15 carries, two receptions) and accounted for 58 yards from scrimmage. He remains locked in as the clear No. 1 option out of the backfield over free-agent pickup Kenny Gainwell, who is averaging just 2.1 yards per carry and 3.7 yards per reception through three games. |
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Jalon Daniels Jalon Daniels Will start in place of injured Mayfield
Mon, Sep 28, 2026, 11:55 AM
Head coach Todd Bowles said Monday that Daniels will step in as the Buccaneers' new starting quarterback while Baker Mayfield is out for a "minimum of three weeks" due to a dislocated right thumb, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: The undrafted rookie made his NFL debut in relief of an injured Mayfield late in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Vikings, rushing once for nine yards while failing to complete his first two pass attempts of the day before being intercepted on a Hail Mary as time expired. Since an MRI ruled out any damage to his thumb beyond the dislocation, Mayfield is expected to avoid a stint on injured reserve, but he doesn't appear in line to return to the lineup any sooner than Week 8 at Carolina. As a result, Daniels is now set to get his first extended NFL action beginning this Sunday, when the Buccaneers will host the Packers. During his six-year college career at Kansas, Daniels displayed some decent arm talent and scrambling ability, but concerns about his accuracy and ability to dissect defenses played a large part in him going undrafted. |
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Baker Mayfield Baker Mayfield Facing three-week absence
Mon, Sep 28, 2026, 11:41 AM
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said Monday that Mayfield (thumb) is expected to miss three weeks, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Earlier Monday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reported than an MRI on Mayfield's dislocated right thumb ruled out a fracture as well as any tendon or ligament damage. While Mayfield appears set to avoid surgery, he'll still need some time off to regain strength in his thumb so that he can properly grip the football and throw accurately and at full velocity. Per Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network, Bowles said that Mayfield won't be placed on injured reserve, so the Buccaneers could be targeting a Week 10 game in Carolina for his return to the lineup. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will step in as the Buccaneers' new starting quarterback beginning with Sunday's game versus Green Bay. |
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Baker Mayfield Baker Mayfield MRI yields good news, but set to miss time
Mon, Sep 28, 2026, 11:30 AM
Mayfield underwent an MRI on his dislocated right thumb Monday that revealed no fracture, tendon or ligament damage, but the quarterback is still expected to miss time, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Mayfield is scheduled to get a second opinion on his thumb, so the Buccaneers may not provide a formal timeline for his recovery until he meets with another specialist. That being said, the dislocated thumb on his throwing hand will inhibit Mayfield's ability to grip the football, so the Buccaneers are expected to hold him out for at least their Week 4 game. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels came on in relief of Mayfield late in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Vikings and looks on track to make his first NFL start this weekend at home against the Packers. |
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Jalen McMillan Jalen McMillan Scheduled for MRI
Mon, Sep 28, 2026, 10:01 AM
McMillan is slated to undergo an MRI on his left knee Monday, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: McMillan missed the Buccaneers' season-opening loss to the Bengals while recovering from a knee injury, then was cleared to play in the Week 2 loss to the Browns but was limited to just seven snaps. He had been expected to play a more substantial role in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Vikings, but he logged just two snaps before going down with the knee injury on the Buccaneers' first possession and missing the rest of the game. The MRI will provide clarity on the extent of McMillan's latest setback with his knee, but even if imaging reveals nothing overly concerning, the wideout could still be at risk of missing next Sunday's game against the Packers. |
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Ted Hurst III Ted Hurst III Notches first career touchdown
Sun, Sep 27, 2026, 11:09 PM
Hurst caught one of three targets for a 40-yard touchdown during Sunday's 23-16 loss to Minnesota.
Analysis: Hurst made the most of his one catch, notching his first career touchdown on a 40-yard deep ball from quarterback Baker Mayfield in the first quarter. The wide receiver has now caught six of 13 targets for 103 yards and a touchdown over the first three regular-season games. Mayfield suffered a thumb injury in the fourth quarter and seems likely to miss action moving forward, so Hurst and the rest of Tampa Bay's offense may have a tough time getting into a rhythm with backup quarterback Jalon Daniels likely at the helm in Week 4 against the Packers. |
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Chase McLaughlin Chase McLaughlin Makes 54-yard field goal
Sun, Sep 27, 2026, 10:24 PM
McLaughlin connected on all three field-goal tries, including a 54 yarder, and his only extra-point attempt in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Vikings.
Analysis: The kicker has yet to miss this season, and he has now made nine field goals through three games. Unfortunately, the 0-3 Bucs have only given him five extra-point attempts across three contests. |
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Emeka Egbuka Emeka Egbuka Gets nine targets in Week 3
Sun, Sep 27, 2026, 8:24 PM
Egbuka recorded five catches (on nine targets) for 62 yards during Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Vikings.
Analysis: Egbuka turned his highest target count in a game this season into his second-most receiving yards (behind Week 1's 63 such yards), but the Buccaneers' passing attack again was inconsistent under the direction of QB Baker Mayfield (17-for-34 for 217 yards, one TD and one interception). Mayfield suffered a dislocated thumb on his right throwing hand on the team's second-to-last possession, so if the veteran signal-caller needs to miss any time, Egubka then would be on the receiving end of passes from undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels, who didn't complete any of his three attempts Sunday. |
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Jalon Daniels Jalon Daniels Steps in late for an injured Mayfield
Sun, Sep 27, 2026, 7:53 PM
Daniels took over for an injured Baker Mayfield (thumb) during Sunday's 23-16 defeat to the Vikings, with the former failing to complete any of his three passes with an interception and recording one nine-yard rush.
Analysis: Mayfield threw a pick with just under two minutes left in the matchup and then remained down as he favored his right hand before immediately heading to the locker room. Daniels, an undrafted rookie, took over the offense with 28 seconds remaining and the Buccaneers down seven points, but he was unable to lead a game-winning drive while tossing an interception of his own on the last play of the contest. Head coach Todd Bowles told Greg Auman of Fox Sports that Mayfield sustained a dislocated thumb on his right throwing hand, and if the veteran signal-caller does miss time, Daniels would be poised for his first career start next Sunday against the Packers. |
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Bucky Irving Bucky Irving Rackes up 17 touches in Week 3
Sun, Sep 27, 2026, 7:45 PM
Irving notched 15 carries for 46 yards and two catches (on four targets) for 12 yards during Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Vikings.
Analysis: Irving now has earned at least 15 touches in each of the Buccaneers' first three games of the campaign., but his 58 yards from scrimmage represent a season low to date. In the wake of QB Baker Mayfield dislocating his right throwing thumb late in the contest, it stands to reason that Tampa Bay will rely more on its ground game with undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels likely taking over under center next Sunday against the Packers and potentially beyond that point. In such a scenario, Irving could be poised for more volume, though his efficiency may take a hit due to facing more stacked boxes. |
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Baker Mayfield Baker Mayfield Set for MRI on dislocated thumb
Sun, Sep 27, 2026, 6:52 PM
Mayfield is dealing with a dislocated right thumb and will have an MRI on the injury, head coach Todd Bowles relayed after Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Vikings, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.
Analysis: Mayfield exited Sunday's loss late in the fourth quarter after sustaining the thumb injury to his throwing hand. Jalon Daniels played Tampa Bay's final possession after Mayfield got hurt. The undrafted rookie backup failed to complete a pass and threw an interception on the game's final play. A recovery timeline for Mayfield will likely be established based on the results of his upcoming MRI, but Daniels will likely get a chance to make his first NFL start when the 0-3 Buccaneers host the 1-2 Packers in Week 4. |
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Baker Mayfield Baker Mayfield Hurts hand late against Vikings
Sun, Sep 27, 2026, 6:23 PM
Mayfield left the field accompanied by training staff in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Vikings after sustaining an apparent hand injury, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
Analysis: To add insult to injury, Mayfield was intercepted on a fourth-down pass in a one-possession game in the fourth quarter on the play during which he sustained the injury. He stayed down after the play and eventually got up holding his right thumb. Rookie backup Jalon Daniels replaced Mayfield on the following drive, per Greg Auman of Fox Sports. Mayfield threw for 217 yards, one touchdown and one interception while adding six rushing yards prior to the injury. |
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Jalen McMillan Jalen McMillan Won't return Sunday
Sun, Sep 27, 2026, 3:55 PM
McMillan (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Vikings, PewterReport.com reports.
Analysis: McMillan left in the first quarter due to a left knee injury, which is severe enough for the third-year wideout to not return to Sunday's game. Tez Johnson and rookie third-rounder Ted Hurst are candidates to see a significant boost in offensive snaps in McMillan's absence. |
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Jalen McMillan Jalen McMillan Questionable to return Sunday
Sun, Sep 27, 2026, 3:34 PM
McMillan (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's contest against the Vikings.
Analysis: McMillan torqued his left knee in the first quarter, and he was promptly removed from the contest. In his absence, rookie wideout Ted Hurst will stand to see an increase in opportunities versus Minnesota. |
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Starting Sunday sans Trotter
Sun, Sep 27, 2026, 3:14 PM
Dennis will start at inside linebacker against the Vikings on Sunday due to the absence of Jeremiah Trotter (shoulder), Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Analysis: Dennis has mostly worked on special teams this season and has only two tackles (one solo) through two games. However, with Trotter sidelined by a shoulder issue, Dennis will start next to Alex Anzalone for Sunday's game, with Christian Rozeboom providing depth at the position. Dennis was a regular starter for the Buccaneers last year, when he logged 101 tackles (66 solo), including 3.0 sacks, and five pass defenses (including one interception) across 16 regular-season games. |
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Sidelined for Week 3
Fri, Sep 25, 2026, 4:31 PM
Trotter (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Vikings.
Analysis: Trotter was a limited participant in Friday's practice after opening the week with back-to-back DNPs. However, the rookie second-rounder has not progressed enough in his recovery from a shoulder injury to play Sunday, so he'll aim toward being available for Week 4 against Green Bay on Sunday, Oct. 4. One of Christian Rozeboom and SirVocea Dennis will start at inside linebacker next to Alex Anzalone in Trotter's absence. |
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