Tampa Bay Buccaneers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Sterling Shepard (hamstring, hip) were both out for the first practice of the week on Wednesday as the team prepares for a Week 10 battle against the San Francisco 49ers. McMillan injured his hamstring last Friday and didn't play in the Monday night overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, allowing Shepard and Trey Palmer to serve as the top wideouts with Mike Evans (hamstring) out and Chris Godwin (ankle) out for the season. Shepard had four catches for 48 yards on Monday, but now he's in danger of missing Week 10 against the Niners as well. It's worth noting the Bucs' bye comes in Week 11. Tight end Cade Otton has been the clear beneficiary in the passing game, while Trey Palmer, Rakim Jarrett and Ryan Miller could be the starters at receiver if McMillan and Shepard can't play this Sunday.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (toe) remains on the Week 10 injury report and was listed as limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Irving played in the Week 9 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday but will most likely be battling a toe injury for the rest of the season, according to head coach Todd Bowles. The 22-year-old saw 10 touches for 34 yards on Monday, with Rachaad White scoring the only rushing TD for the team. The Bucs will continue to split backfield touches between Irving, White and Sean Tucker moving forwards, which severely limits Irving's weekly upside as an RB3/flex. Irving has been Tampa's best ball-carrier in 2024, though, averaging 5.0 yards per carry for 419 yards and three TDs on 83 carries while also catching 23 passes for 174 additional yards in nine games in his first NFL season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (toe) is dealing with an injury and was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice, the first of the week. It's something worth monitoring, but Mayfield has two days left to return to practice and should be able to do so. The 29-year-old played all of the Week 9 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday and went 23-for-31 for 200 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) won't be returning in Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers, and Chris Godwin (ankle) is out for the rest of the year. Receivers Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Sterling Shepard (hamstring, hip) are also banged up, so Mayfield has been using tight end Cade Otton as his top target through the air. With a very thin receiving corps, Mayfield will be a shakier QB1 streaming option in Week 10 against San Fran.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is working off to the side with a trainer at practice on Wednesday, which is a good first step for him as he works to return following the team's Week 11 bye. Evans isn't going to be ready to return this weekend to face the San Francisco 49ers, but as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks with his hammy, he appears to have a good shot at returning on Nov. 24 to face the New York Giants in Week 12. He's most likely going to be listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice. With Chris Godwin (ankle) also out for the rest of the season, tight end Cade Otton has been by far and away quarterback Baker Mayfield's favorite target through the air. Otton has had at least 10 targets the last three games and has combined for 25 catches, 258 yards and three touchdowns. He's now a must-start TE1 going forward.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard caught four of five targets for 48 yards in Monday night's 30-24 overtime loss to the Chiefs, adding two rushes for 21 yards. It was the second consecutive game that the 31-year-old earned five looks from Baker Mayfield and the fourth time this season he's caught at least three passes. Jalen McMillan (hamstring) was inactive for the game and should he miss another week, then Shepard could once again be one of the top receiving options for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have a tough matchup with the 49ers in Week 10 so even so, he's still probably only a WR4/5.