Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Sheppard should be in line for an increase in workload moving forward, with Mike Evans (hamstring), Chris Godwin (fibula), Bucky Irving (shoulder/foot), Jalen McMillan (neck), and now Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) all injured and expected to miss some time. Sheppard remains one of the few healthy Buccaneer receivers, and his competition for targets includes rookie Tez Johnson, Cade Otton, and Kameron Johnson. Sheppard is the most proven and experienced in that pass-catching room, and heading into what is expected to be a high-scoring affair against the Detroit Lions (53.5 point total according to sportsbooks), should be a solid low-end WR2 play and prioritized on the waiver wires this week.
Oct 13, 2025 9:40 AM EST
On a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team hampered by injuries at wide receiver, veteran Sterling Shepard has seen a rapid increase in fantasy value as his team prepares to play San Francisco in Week 6. Chris Godwin (leg) and Mike Evans (hamstring) already have been ruled out for the game, slotting in Shepard as the team's likely second receiver behind Emeka Egbuka. Shepard has seen at least four targets in every game this season and scored his first touchdown of the year last week. The Niners are mid-tier against fantasy receivers, but Shepard should receive enough volume to be considered a flex option, especially in deeper leagues.
Oct 12, 2025 7:52 AM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard will move into the No. 2 role ahead of Sunday's matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The Bucs will be without Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (leg) for Sunday's game. That means, Shepard will move up the depth chart this weekend. The 32-year-old has hauled in four receptions in three of the first five games. The problem has been the yardage as Shepard has 39 receiving yards or less in every game but one. There should be a handful of targets coming Shepard's way, but it's unclear what damage he'll do on the field. In most formats, Shepard should be viewed as a flex option for Week 6.
Oct 10, 2025 8:05 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard is slated to see an uptick in volume this weekend when his team takes on the San Francisco 49ers at home. The 32-year-old will operate as Tampa Bay's second wideout in Week 6 with the news that teammate Chris Godwin (fibula) will miss the contest with a fibula injury. Veteran Mike Evans is also trending toward another missed outing, so it will be Shepard and rookie Emeka Egbuka running in two-wide-receiver sets. Tampa Bay has been pretty balanced this season (54.2% pass rate), but a consolidated target share should keep Shepard in the conversation of a solid WR3 with upside for his meeting with the 49ers. First-year pro Tez Johnson will work as the team's third wideout.
Oct 10, 2025 11:15 AM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) is ready to go for this weekend despite missing practice on Wednesday. Shepard returned to a full practice on Thursday and will be ready for the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. However, Shepard hasn't really done much on the field this season. He posted an 80-yard performance in Week 3, but has been quiet outside of that. The 32-year-old was held to two receptions for 14 yards last week. The assumption is that Shepard would be more involved with Mike Evans (hamstring) and Bucky Irving (foot) both sidelined. However, Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin both saw double digit targets last week. Possibly, Shepard sees more action this weekend, but shouldn't be viewed as anything more than a desperation option.
Oct 3, 2025 5:14 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) is back on the practice field on Thursday after he was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Shepard's status is worth watching going into Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but the fact that he's back on the field on Thursday is a good sign. Mike Evans (hamstring) is likely to miss a second straight game this weekend, but the 32-year-old Shepard is still going to be a hard sell as a flex play in fantasy now that Chris Godwin is back. With Godwin back in the Week 4 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Shepard played 62% of the offensive snaps and caught just two passes for 14 yards on four targets, while Godwin was targeted a team-high-tying 10 times. Godwin and rookie Emeka Egbuka will be Tampa's top two wideouts until Evans is able to return.
Oct 2, 2025 12:19 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard has recorded 11 catches for 153 yards on 15 targets so far in 2025. The Buccaneers are expected to get wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) back on the field in Week 4, but the team will be without star wideout Mike Evans (hamstring) for multiple weeks. Godwin has not played since Week 7 of 2024 and may be on a limited snap count on Sunday, which could mean Shepard will see the second-most playing time at wide receiver behind rookie Emeka Egbuka. The Bucs have a difficult matchup in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, who have allowed just 5.9 yards per pass attempt and three passing touchdowns through three games. Shepard is difficult to trust as a fantasy starter. Still, he could be worth rostering in deep leagues until Godwin is fully integrated into the offense and Evans makes his return.
Sep 27, 2025 2:11 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard has quietly been a consistent piece of the team's passing game through the first three weeks of 2025, recording 11 catches for 153 yards on 15 targets. With star Buccaneers wideout Mike Evans (hamstring) facing a multi-week absence due to a hamstring injury, Shepard's role in Tampa Bay could be set to increase. It's worth noting that as Evans departs the lineup, the Buccaneers will likely be getting Chris Godwin (ankle) back from an ankle injury at some point in the next few weeks. However, Godwin has not played since Week 7 of 2024 and is recovering from a serious ankle injury that required two surgeries. Godwin did not practice on Thursday heading into Tampa Bay's Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. If he cannot play in Week 4, Shepard would be the clear WR2 in Tampa Bay alongside rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka.
Sep 26, 2025 10:38 AM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard caught 4-of-5 targets for 80 yards in Sunday's 29-27 win against the visiting New York Jets. Shepard sneakily climbed up to Tampa Bay's second-leading receiver with his second straight four-catch outing -- trailing only rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka in yards. He's also second on the team in receptions (11), though Egbuka, Mike Evans, and running back Bucky Irving are all tied ahead of him (14). Despite this, his 15 targets on the season thus far are quite a bit behind Evans (27) and the rookie (21). Moreover, Tampa Bay is attempting a pass at the ninth-fewest rate through three weeks, meaning the passing pie won't be big enough to support him when veteran Chris Godwin (ankle) returns. Shepard still may have some productive outings, but his floor could soon be alarmingly low.
Sep 22, 2025 11:16 AM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard did a nice job during last week's win over the Houston Texans. Shepard hauled in all four of his targets for 34 yards in the victory. Through two games, Shepard has hauled in seven of his 10 targets for 73 yards and he has been held without a touchdown. He's currently the third wideout on this roster, but might see a bump in value. Currently, Emeka Egbuka (hip, groin) is listed as questionable for Week 3. That means, Shepard might move into the No. 2 wideout role for their matchup against the New York Jets. If that happens, Shepard should see a higher volume of targets with the Bucs limited on receiving options. The 32-year-old clearly has chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield. Shepard isn't going to put up superstar numbers, but could be a low-end flex option if Egbuka sits out.
Sep 19, 2025 10:15 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard has reached a new contract with the organization. The veteran wideout will stick around in Tampa Bay for at least one more season, but his salary is undisclosed. Shepard hauled in 32 receptions for 334 yards and one touchdown in 14 games (five starts) with the Bucs. The 32-year-old did a nice job filling in when the Bucs were without Chris Godwin and Mike Evans for a few games. Shepard figures to serve as depth behind Godwin, Evans, and Jalen McMillian in the Tampa Bay offense. That being said, Shepard probably won't be on the fantasy radar to begin the season.
Mar 14, 2025 7:12 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) upgraded to a full practice on Friday and was removed from the final injury report for wild-card weekend. Shepard was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday but will be active on Sunday evening to face the visiting Washington Commanders. The 31-year-old veteran pass-catcher will be looking for a better performance after catching one of his two targets for 11 yards in the Week 18 win over the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Although the Bucs had one of the best passing offenses in the league in 2024, Shepard has struggled to maintain any kind of fantasy value with limited targets on a weekly basis. He'll continue to serve as the No. 3 behind Mike Evans and rookie Jalen McMillan, giving him minimal upside as a flex play in postseason leagues. Shepard's only touchdown of the year came back on Oct. 3.
Jan 10, 2025 6:16 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot/knee) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. Shepard was listed on the practice report for a hamstring injury last week so his presence with a new injury this week is slightly worrisome for Bucs fans. Shepard has had a nice season for the Bucs. He has operated primarily as the No. 3 wide receiver due to injuries to both Chris Godwin (ankle) and Jalen McMillan (finger) for much of the season. McMillan and Mike Evans (rest) are currently the top two options in this passing offense. However, Shepard plays an important role as a chain mover when called upon. He recorded 32 receptions for 334 yards and a touchdown in 2024. He has been solid all around for a Buccaneers team with a legitimate shot at making a playoff run this season. His status will need to be monitored heading into the weekend. The Bucs will need all the help they can get against a young and hungry Washington Commanders team on Sunday night.
Jan 8, 2025 6:55 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) is officially active for Sunday's Week 18 game against the New Orleans Saints. He had been listed as questionable. The veteran receiver has been productive through 13 games in a depth role this season, catching 31 passes for 323 yards and one touchdown. He has served as a reliable target for Baker Mayfield, especially after Chris Godwin (ankle) suffered a season-ending injury. With that said, Shepard is off the fantasy radar as long as he remains behind Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan on the depth chart.
Jan 5, 2025 11:55 AM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable to play in a must-win game in the Week 18 regular-season finale versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Shepard was inactive for the team's Week 17 win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers but is hoping to return to help the Bucs secure a playoff berth and the NFC South title. If he does return, he'll return to his role as the WR3 behind Mike Evans and rookie Jalen McMillan, giving him little fantasy upside. Despite another phenomenal season from quarterback Baker Mayfield and the season-ending injury to Chris Godwin (ankle), Shepard has failed to produce consistently for fantasy managers, catching a total of 31 passes on 49 targets for 323 yards and only one score. If he's active, consider him a low-upside, touchdown-dependent WR4/5 against the Saints.
Jan 3, 2025 7:18 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Shepard missed the Week 17 victory over the division-rival Carolina Panthers but will likely need to return to a full practice on Friday to avoid a questionable designation going into the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints. If the 31-year-old veteran gets the green light to play in a must-win game this weekend for the Bucs, he'll return to his WR3 duties in Tampa's offense behind Mike Evans and emerging rookie Jalen McMillan, leaving him little fantasy upside in the final regular-season game. In his first year with the Bucs, Shepard has scored only once (back on Oct. 3), has not gone over five catches in a game and has just one game with 60-plus receiving yards despite the team's success through the air in 2024.
Jan 3, 2025 10:54 AM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) remained a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This marks two days in a row that Shepard has been limited after missing last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. There is a decent chance that Shepard returns this weekend, but his fantasy outlook is bleak. Rookie wideout Jalen McMillan has taken a major step forward over the last few weeks. Both McMillan and Mike Evans figure to be the focal point in the receiving game going forward. The absence of Shepard could mean more snaps for Trey Palmer, but he hasn't done anything noteworthy lately.
Jan 2, 2025 9:38 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) was listed as limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Shepard did not play in the Week 17 win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers due to foot and hamstring injuries, but a limited session on Wednesday means he could be on track to return in Week 18 in a must-win game against the division-rival New Orleans Saints this Sunday. The 31-year-old could be removed from the final injury report entirely by Friday if he's able to upgrade to a full practice. If Shepard returns to face the Saints, he'll be a touchdown-dependent WR4/5, at best, for fantasy managers. Due to the recent resurgence of rookie wideout Jalen McMillan, Shepard is Tampa's clear WR3 behind McMillan and veteran Mike Evans when he's healthy. Shepard has been outside the top-50 receivers in half-PPR points per game in 2024.
Jan 1, 2025 5:38 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot, hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. Shepard exited last week's contest due to a hamstring injury. In addition, he has been dealing with a lingering foot issue. The Buccaneers need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive, so look for Baker Mayfield to lean on his wide receivers Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan, Ryan Miller, and Trey Palmer in the passing game. McMillan should be the biggest beneficiary of Shepard missing the game. The Buccaneers are 8.5-point favorites at home versus the Carolina Panthers, and game flow may play in favor of running backs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White.
Dec 27, 2024 12:52 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot, hamstring) was listed as a non-participant in practice for the second straight day on Thursday. Shepard is now in danger of sitting out the Week 17 contest against the division-rival Carolina Panthers this Sunday. He will likely need to return to the practice field on Friday to avoid being ruled out entirely. Tight end Cade Otton (knee) also hasn't practiced this week and is on track to miss a second straight game. Shepard injured his hamstring in the Week 16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The 31-year-old missing this weekend's game would mean that Ryan Miller and Trey Palmer would compete for WR3 duties behind Mike Evans and rookie Jalen McMillan. When healthy, Shepard has been a hard sell as a WR4/5, even in deep fantasy leagues. He's scored just once on the year and has two catches for 36 yards in the last two games.
Dec 26, 2024 7:42 PM EST
Copyright 2025 Fantasy Football Calculator | Image Source: Icon Sportswire. Not affiliated with the National Football League (NFL).
Stats powered by FantasyData.com.
