Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart: Challenges at Wide Receiver After Key Injuries
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing significant challenges in their wide receiver corps following injuries to key players Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. During their Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Evans reaggravated a hamstring injury, and Godwin suffered a severe ankle injury, described as a dislocated ankle, which puts his remainder of the 2024 season in question..
With Evans and Godwin potentially out for the upcoming Week 8 game against the Atlanta Falcons, the Buccaneers are looking to other receivers to fill the void. Jalen McMillan, a 2024 third-round pick from Washington, is likely to step into the WR2 role and could even become the WR1 if Evans is unable to play. McMillan has had six receptions on 15 targets for 74 yards and a touchdown in five games this season.
Sterling Shepard, who joined the Buccaneers this offseason on a one-year, $1.4 million deal, is another option. Shepard, who spent his first eight seasons with the New York Giants, has eight receptions on 12 targets for 93 yards and a touchdown through five games. His role in the Tampa Bay offense is expected to increase due to the injuries.
Trey Palmer is also part of the depth chart, although he has seen limited action so far. Additionally, the Buccaneers have Rakim Jarrett and Kameron Johnson on injured reserve, with Jarrett’s return to practice window recently opened and Johnson dealing with an ankle injury..
The current depth chart at wide receiver for the Buccaneers lists Mike Evans as the top option if he is healthy, followed by Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard, Trey Palmer, and then Chris Godwin, who is likely out for the rest of the season..