Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard has seen an increase in playing time as a result of injuries to Chris Godwin (leg) and Mike Evans (collarbone). Shepherd had his quietest game of the season in the Bucs' blowout 23-3 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 8, catching just one of two targets for eight yards. The veteran wideout had caught multiple balls in every other game up until last week and saw a season high of seven targets in Week 7 against the Lions. Still, the upside isn't very high for the 32-year-old even in a good Tampa Bay offense, as he has provided little value after the catch. Rookies Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson have emerged as the go-to targets at wide receiver for Baker Mayfield, with tight end Cade Otton filling a complementary role. Fantasy managers who are in desperate need of a flex who will run a lot of routes can look to Shepherd as a possible option.
Oct 28, 2025 4:32 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard figures to continue seeing an increased workload this weekend. The Bucs are still without multiple wideouts, so Shepard should see more targets. Last week, Shepard saw a season-high seven targets in the loss to the Detroit Lions. He hauled in all seven of them for 25 yards, so the lack of yardage really hurt his value in low PPR formats. The fact he saw seven targets is a good sign heading into the Week 8 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The 32-year-old should continue to see the ball coming his way, but he needs to do more after the catch. Fantasy managers in desperate need of help this weekend should look at Shepard as a possible flex option.
Oct 24, 2025 5:36 PM EST
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been among the most injury-impacted teams in the league so far this season, which should keep the door open for receiver Sterling Shepard. Coming off a seven-catch performance against Detroit, the veteran looks in line for similar work in future weeks. The Bucs had to put Mike Evans (concussion) back on injured reserve, which will sideline him for at least a month, while Chris Godwin (leg) and Jalen McMillan (neck) have yet to play this season. Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) is also dealing with an injury and didn't practice on Wednesday, leaving Shepard, for the time being, as one of the team's top options along with tight end Cade Otton. Managers in deeper formats or facing bye-week roster crunches should consider Shepard as a capable option under these circumstances.
Oct 23, 2025 9:54 AM EST
With Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) suffering a broken clavicle in Week 7, which will likely land him on Injured Reserve, Bucs wideout Sterling Shepard appears to be in line for a significant long-term role in the team's offense. With Chris Godwin (leg) also currently sidelined, Shepard looks like Tampa Bay's WR2 alongside Emeka Egbuka. The 32-year-old Shepard hauled in seven catches for 25 yards on seven targets in Tampa Bay's Week 7 loss to the Detroit Lions, giving him 26 catches for 267 yards and a touchdown on 34 targets so far this season. Shepard is not an explosive downfield player, which limits his ceiling. Still, he's proven to be a trusted target of Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and should be rostered in fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams.
Oct 21, 2025 11:29 AM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard could be asked to play a significant role in the upcoming Week 7 matchup against the Detroit Lions. The Bucs are extremely banged up with Jalen McMillan (neck) and Chris Godwin (fibula) ruled out. Also, Mike Evans (hamstring) and Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) are considered game-time decisions for Monday's game. If they sit, Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, and Kameron Johnson would be the primary wideouts. Shepard hasn't been great this season, but did finish with over 51 receiving yards last week. Given the injuries and bye weeks, Shepard is worth considering as a flex option for Week 7.
Oct 18, 2025 8:56 PM EST
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
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