With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers facing injury challenges among their top receivers, rookie Emeka Egbuka steps in as the team’s primary receiving option. Reports indicate that although veteran Chris Godwin is expected to play, he will likely have limited snaps due to recovering from an ankle injury sustained last year. This situation opens the door for other receivers to make their mark, notably rookie Tez Johnson.
Tez Johnson, who managed to get open last week despite limited targets, is poised to see increased action. Renowned former coach Jon Gruden, known as “Chucky,” expressed optimism about Johnson’s potential impact, especially in light of the team’s current injury woes. Gruden commented on social media that Johnson will be crucial, particularly if Godwin’s playing time is restricted.
The team’s strategy might involve deploying Johnson effectively in the slot if Godwin is unable to play his usual amount of time. The objective will be to exploit potential lapses in the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense, particularly if attention is heavily focused on countering Godwin.
This scenario offers a unique opportunity for the Buccaneers’ backup receivers to showcase their skills and make significant contributions to the team’s performance. As Gruden suggests, Johnson’s ability to find openings on the field could surprise the Eagles, potentially allowing Tampa Bay to capitalize on their depth and resilience.