Sun Oct 12 20:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing a significant injury crisis as they prepare to host the San Francisco 49ers. Star wide receivers Chris Godwin Jr. (fibula) and Mike Evans (hamstring) are both ruled out for the game. Leading rusher Bucky Irving is also sidelined with foot and shoulder injuries for the second consecutive game. In their absence, the Buccaneers will need to rely on rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard, and Tez Johnson to step up in the receiving game, and Rachaad White in the rushing game. Defensively, cornerbacks Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison are also out. The Buccaneers are looking to break a four-game losing streak against the 49ers.

## News Article:

**Bucs Crippled by Injuries Ahead of 49ers Clash**

**TAMPA, Fla. -** The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ victory celebration over the Seattle Seahawks was short-lived as they head into their Week 7 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers with a severely depleted roster.

Head Coach Todd Bowles confirmed that star wide receivers Chris Godwin Jr. and Mike Evans will be sidelined due to injury. Godwin is dealing with a fibula injury sustained during the Seahawks game, while Evans continues to recover from a hamstring injury. The absence of the two top receivers will put a significant strain on the Buccaneers’ offense.

Adding to the woes, leading rusher Bucky Irving will also miss his second straight game with foot and shoulder injuries. Rachaad White will be asked to carry the load in the backfield after a strong performance against Seattle.

The Buccaneers will need to lean heavily on rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka, who has shown promise in his first five NFL games. Veteran Sterling Shepard and rookie Tez Johnson will also be called upon to fill the void in the receiving corps. Tight end Cade Otton will also look to become more involved in the passing game.

Defensively, the Buccaneers will be without cornerbacks Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison, further weakening their ability to contain the high-powered 49ers offense.

The Buccaneers have struggled against the 49ers in recent years, losing their last four encounters. The team hopes to turn the tide this Sunday and secure a much-needed victory despite the mounting injury challenges.

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