When Mike Evans, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ premier wide receiver, was ruled out with a hamstring snag, the mood in the locker room turned gloomy. The injury list is now so long it’s being called a “total nightmare scenario,” and it looms large over the Week 5 matchupRaymond James Stadium against the Seattle Seahawks.
Injury Overview: The Growing List
It started with a foot issue on running back Bucky Irving that quickly morphed into a shoulder problem, forcing coaches to scramble for depth. A hamstring strain sidelined cornerback Benjamin Morrison, while veteran corner Jamel Dean missed practice with a nagging hip injury. Safety Christian Izien also sat out, adding to the secondary’s woes.
The list doesn’t stop there. Earlier in the season, defensive tackle Calijah Kancey and offensive lineman Cody Mauch were both pronounced out for the year. More recently, quarterback Baker Mayfield and rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka have found themselves on the injury report.
Other ailments include Chris Godwin’s ankle sprain, tackle Charlie Heck’s knee issue, corner Zyon McCollum’s thumb injury, defensive end Greg Gaines’s pectoral strain, and Logan Hall’s groin soreness. In total, the Wednesday report listed nine players who didn’t take part in the walkthrough.
Key Players Missing: Who's Out
- Mike Evans – Hamstring (WR)
- Bucky Irving – Foot and shoulder (RB)
- Benjamin Morrison – Hamstring (CB)
- Jamel Dean – Hip (CB)
- Christian Izien – Healthy scratch (S)
- Greg Gaines – Pectoral (DE)
- Logan Hall – Groin (DE)
- Charlie Heck – Knee (OT)
That’s a staggering amount of talent gone in one week. It means the Buccaneers lose a combined 2,300 yards of receiving production, roughly 300 rushing yards, and a sizable chunk of pass‑rush pressure.
How the Buccaneers Plan to Adjust
Head coach Todd Bowles has already hinted that running back Rachaad White will become the primary ball carrier. "White’s been working the ball every day; we trust him to shoulder the load," Bowles said at the press conference on Tuesday.
Backup running back Sean Tucker will line up as the secondary option, while undrafted rookie Joshua Williams earned a spot on the active roster after impressing on special teams. The coaching staff believes the White‑Tucker tandem can still produce a respectable 80‑90 yards per game.
On the outside, the receiving corps will lean heavily on Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and veteran Sterling Shepard. "We’ve got depth, and they’re ready to step up," said offensive coordinator Bobby Johnson. Godwin, despite an ankle tweak, is expected to run 7‑8 routes, while Shepard’s experience should help smooth the transition.
Defensively, the secondary will have to get creative. Bowles noted that safety Malik Cunningham may shift into a hybrid nickel role, and rookie corner Zyon McCollum could see his first significant snaps. "We’ll mix zone and man coverages, keep the Seahawks guessing," Bowles added.
Expert Take: What This Means for the Game
Sports analyst Mike Florio of ESPN warned that the Buccaneers’ win probability dropped from 45% to just under 30% after the injury report. "Seattle’s pass rush, led by Danielle Hunter, will have an easier time without Evans and Irving to keep the defense honest," Florio commented.
Former NFL linebacker Lavonte David pointed out that the Bucs have survived worse before. "Back in ’20 we lost a handful of starters and still made the playoffs. It’ll be about grinding, not flash," he said.
The Seahawks, meanwhile, sit at 3‑1 and have their own injury concerns, but they’re expected to field a relatively healthy roster. Quarterback Geno Smith has been efficient, and the Seattle defense boasts a top‑10 pass‑rush rank.
Looking Ahead: Recovery Timeline
Medical staff director Dr. Kyle Dreyer gave a cautious outlook: "Mike Evans’ hamstring looks like a 2‑3 week setback, while Bucky Irving’s shoulder may need 4‑6 weeks. We’ll reassess each week."
Calijah Kancey’s ACL tear and Cody Mauch’s broken leg are season‑ending, but both are expected to be back for the 2026 preseason. The team hopes to see at least two of the Week 5 injuries return by the final stretch, which could swing a few close games in Tampa Bay’s favor.
In short, the Buccaneers face a steep hill, but history suggests they’ve got the grit to climb it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the Buccaneers’ offense change without Mike Evans?
The passing game will shift from a deep‑ball focus to more short‑to‑intermediate routes. Chris Godwin and Sterling Shepard are expected to handle the bulk of the receiving duties, while Emeka Egbuka will be targeted on quick slants and crossing patterns to keep the defense honest.
Can Rachaad White carry the load with Bucky Irving out?
Yes, White has averaged 4.2 yards per carry this season and is expected to see 15‑20 carries per game. Backup Sean Tucker will provide relief, but the Bucs will lean on White’s versatility as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield.
What impact does the secondary’s injury list have on defending Seattle’s aerial attack?
Losing Jamel Dean and Benjamin Morrison hurts the Bucs’ ability to match up against Seattle’s speedy receivers. The team will likely rely on zone coverage schemes and will give more responsibilities to nickel corner Zyon McCollum and safety Malik Cunningham, which could open up short passing lanes for the Seahawks.
When might key injured players return to the lineup?
Mike Evans is projected to be back in 2‑3 weeks, while Bucky Irving’s shoulder could keep him out for 4‑6 weeks. The coaching staff expects to have most of the injured players cleared for the final stretch of the season, assuming no setbacks.
How does this injury crisis compare to previous seasons for Tampa Bay?
The Buccaneers have dealt with adversity before, notably in 2020 when they missed several starters yet still made the playoffs. However, the sheer number of position‑group overlaps this week—especially at cornerback and running back—makes it one of the most challenging injury weeks in recent memory.
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