Who Should I Start? Chris Godwin or Emeka Egbuka

Monday, August 4, 6:05 PM

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't counting out wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) out for Week 1 of the regular season, but ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that "they believe there's a chance he could miss a couple of games at the start of the season as he works his way back from the injury." Rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka is expected to be a big part of the offense for however long Godwin is out in the starting lineup next to future Hall of Famer Mike Evans. Graziano thinks that Egbuka could even remain a big part of the offense when Godwin is back. The Bucs are a team that "wants to put three wide receivers on the field as much as possible." An ankle dislocation in Week 7 in 2024 ended Godwin's season, and he remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list at training camp. With each passing day Godwin is absent, he falls a little further in fantasy. Right now, RotoBaller has him ranked as the WR36.

Wednesday, August 6, 7:12 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has been a standout performer in training camp practices, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine. Laine writes that Egbuka has "stepped into Chris Godwin's role as (Tampa Bay's) big slot receiver." With Godwin (ankle) potentially sidelined to start the regular season while he recovers from ankle surgery, Egbuka could be in line for significant playing time immediately. In his final collegiate season at Ohio State in 2024, Egbuka caught 81 passes for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games. The 22-year-old profiles as a fringe WR3/flex option with significant upside, particularly if Godwin struggles to return to full health in 2025.