Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka limps off vs Jets in joint practice, doesn’t return

In a joint practice session with the New York Jets on Wednesday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka suffered an apparent injury and was unable to continue. Egbuka, a second-year player, limped off the field after making a catch and was examined by trainers before returning to the Buccaneers' sideline. The extent of his injury remains unclear, with Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles stating he had not yet received any information on the nature or severity of the issue.

Egbuka, who caught 63 passes for 938 yards and six touchdowns last season, was not expected to participate in the preseason opener scheduled for Friday night. With the departure of star wide receiver Mike Evans to San Francisco, Egbuka is likely to see increased playing time as one of Baker Mayfield's primary targets, joining Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and rookie Ted Hurst.

Backup quarterback Jake Browning also missed the practice due to a back injury, and Bowles indicated that if Browning is unavailable, Connor Bazelak would start in his place. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels is also expected to see time on the field if necessary.