After a year where the Bucs continually battled against injury, they are starting off their season looking relatively robust. With only one player not participating at practice, the team is trending towards a healthy start this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Having that level of availability on the roster gives the Bucs much more flexibility heading into Week 1.
The only high level of concern comes from the running back room. Running back Sean Tucker did not participate at Wednesday’s practice and it is uncertain what his status will be for the game at this time. With Tucker being the third string running back, there is a possibility that Josh Williams gets pulled up from the practice squad. Williams signed with the Bucs in May 2025 as a free agent and spent time on both the active roster and practice squad throughout the season.
Other minor concerns include outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr., wide receiver Jalen McMillan and inside linebacker Christian Rozeboom. All three players were limited during Wednesday’s practice but still had some level of participation. While worth monitoring, limited participation is still a positive sign that these players will be ready to go on Sunday.
Bucs ILB Jalen McMillan – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has been dealing with a toe sprain sustained at a joint practice with the New York Jets. Fortunately, he seems to be back to his normal self with full participation at practice.
Here is the full Wednesday injury report for the Bucs and Bengals ahead of their season opening matchup this Sunday.
Sean Tucker – Hamstring – DNP
Rueben Bain Jr. – Shoulder – Limited
Jalen McMillan – Knee – Limited
Christian Rozeboom – Foot – Limited
Justin Skule – Oblique – Limited
Emeka Egbuka – Toe – Full
Bucs WR Emeka Egbuka – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Billy Schrauth – Knee – Full
Ja’Marr Chase – Knee – Full
Tee Higgins – Foot – Full
Shemar Stewart – Knee – Full