The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need all hands on deck as they prepare for their toughest game of the year, going on the road to take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football.
The Bucs just got some encouraging news in the injury department, as wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is set to make his return after missing the last two games with a concussion and a foot injury. He had been ruled questionable throughout the week, but is officially ready to return to action.
#Bucs WR Emeka Egbuka (foot) is playing today after being listed as questionable. He missed Wednesday but was a full participant after that.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 8, 2026
Egbuka’s return couldn’t come at a better time, as the Buccaneers could rely on their passing game against a vulnerable Bears secondary. As Tampa Bay’s No. 1 wide receiver, Egbuka will be a big part of the game plan.
Emeka Egbuka has a golden opportunity against the Bears defense
The Buccaneers have embraced a winning formula built on running the football, rushing for over 240 yards in all three of their victories this season. They currently boast the NFL’s No. 1 rushing attack.
But Chicago ranks fourth against the run, allowing only 87 yards per game. Something’s got to give, and if Tampa Bay’s run game gets bottled up by Jeffery Simmons and the Bears’ stout defensive front, it’ll be up to the passing game to carry the offense.
Bears writer Anthony Miller told me during our Q&A that Chicago’s biggest weakness the Buccaneers could exploit is the cornerback position.
“Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson have been awful all season, with each guy allowing a passer rating over 120… I would suggest the Buccaneers not focus as much on the run and instead attack this Bears secondary deep with downfield passes.”
Egbuka has been underwhelming this season, averaging only four catches and 40 yards per game, but he’s still been Tampa Bay’s go-to weapon in the passing game. He leads the team in receptions despite missing two games, and also leads the Bucs with two receiving touchdowns.
Now that he’s back healthy, the Buccaneers are really counting on their former first-round draft choice to elevate his game and perform at the level he did at the start of his rookie season, where he appeared to be on his way to becoming a top receiver in the NFL.
The Bucs simply aren’t going to be keep up with this Bears team without airing it out, and Egbuka will be the key to success in the passing offense.
That’s why his returnfrom injury is such a major development for Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers as they look to pull off the upset on the road against a Super Bowl-contending Bears team.
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