Emeka Egbuka injury update from Buccaneers is a bit concerning originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are dealing with some attrition already ahead of the 2026 NFL season, with Baker Mayfield's clear frustration with the franchise about a contract extension and Vita Vea's holdout amid a contract standoff. But now, the wide receiver room is taking a bit of a hit, even after Mike Evans already left. Emeka Egbuka, dealing with a toe injury, just got an update from Todd Bowles that's a bit worrying. Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports that Egbuka, the second-year WR poised for a large role in 2026, has some uncertainty about his toe injury, enough to the point that Week 1 of the regular season is a question mark for Bowles. Emeka Egbuka gets concerning injury update for Week 1 "Not a lot of clarity on Emeka Egbuka's toe and how long he'll be sidelined," Auman reports. "Bowles said he's 'day to day, week to week.' Asked the injury could impact his availability for Week 1, in 27 days: 'Not sure at this time.'" This update from Bowles is a bit worrying, as Egbuka being uncertain for Week 1 of the regular season, in nearly one month, is not a good sign. If he's not going to be ready for the first week of the season, then this toe issue is a lot more serious than initially let on. After the Bucky Irving injury absence last season, and Evans' own lengthy stint on the injured reserve, it would be understandable for Buccaneers fans to get worried about this update. MORE: Will George Kittle be ready for Week 1? 49ers TE explains why he has 'chance' to play vs. Rams Egbuka, the 2025 Sporting News Rookie of the Year, hauled in 63 receptions for 938 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season. His hot start to the year was great, but then an injury mid-season derailed the year for Egbuka, and he regressed a bit. He had 40 receptions for 677 yards and six TDs in the first nine weeks, and just 23 receptions for 261 yards and no TDs in the final eight weeks. But with Evans gone, Egbuka was set for a massive target share in this offense. Unfortunately, Egbuka now has an uncertain toe injury that might linger into the regular season. Bowles being so uncertain for Week 1 is a bad sign for Egbuka. Hopefully, he's able to heal in time for the regular season opener on September 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals. If not, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan will have a lot on their plates. More NFL news:
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