Tez Johnson Shines as Buccaneers Lose to Lions, Injuries Shift WR Chart
Oct, 21 2025
When Tez Johnson, second‑year wide receiver of Tampa Bay Buccaneers hauled in a 22‑yard touchdown on Monday night, the NFL’s fantasy chatter went into overdrive – even though the Buccaneers fell 24‑20 to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 20, 2025.
The drama started earlier in the week when head coach Todd Bowles announced that rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka, a 22‑year‑old Ohio State alumnus, had been ruled out with a right‑hamstring strain. A few hours later, veteran Pro Bowler Mike Evans was listed as questionable after missing three straight weeks with a left‑hamstring issue. The Buccaneers entered the game with a makeshift receiving corps, and the result was a night of pivots, missed opportunities, and a glimpse of a potential new fantasy star.
Historical Context: How the Buccaneers Got Here
Buried under a rocky start to the 2025 season, Tampa Bay still carries the weight of a 2024 overhaul that saw quarterback Baker Mayfield hand the reins to a revamped offense. After a 27‑24 win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6, the team sat at 3‑3, with a passing attack that had yet to find a reliable number one option. The loss to Detroit marks the second straight defeat, pushing the Buccaneers to 3‑4 and raising questions about depth at the wide‑out position.
Game Recap: What Went Wrong (and Right)
Detroit struck first, converting a short field into a 10‑point lead by the second quarter. The Buccaneers answered with a Mayfield‑to‑Evans connection, but the veteran’s hamstring tightened at the 8:22 p.m. mark, forcing an early exit. Coach Bowles then turned to Johnson, who entered with just over ten minutes left in the half. The young receiver sliced past Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor, creating a 1.8‑second separation window captured by Next Gen Stats, and hauled in the game‑tying score.
After the touchdown, the Buccaneers pressed, but the offensive line – anchored by left tackle Tristan Wirfs – allowed three sacks and nine hits. Mayfield finished 28‑of‑41 for 312 yards, one TD and two picks. The Lions held on, sealing the win with a late field goal.
Injury Updates: Who’s on the DNP List?
Emeka Egbuka – Initially listed as a non‑participant for practice on Oct. 18, the 22‑year‑old was cleared as a game‑time decision during Bowles’ 6:30 p.m. pre‑game announcement. He ended the night with zero targets; a Grade‑1 hamstring strain still calls for a 7‑10‑day recovery window according to the NFL Injury Database.
Mike Evans – After aggravating his left hamstring in the second quarter, Evans was evaluated by athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion and ruled out for the remainder of the game. The injury is classified as Grade 2, suggesting a 2‑3‑week rehab period.
Both receivers are slated for MRI scans at AdventHealth Imaging Center on Oct. 21, as confirmed by general manager Jason Licht. The scans will dictate their availability for Week 8 against the New Orleans Saints.
Fantasy Fallout: Why Tez Johnson Is the New Sleeper
Fantasy analysts from over 100 outlets, including the consensus report from FantasyPros at 10:00 a.m. EST on Oct. 18, had already projected Johnson as a top‑30 Week 7 option, pegging him at 4.2 fantasy points. His touchdown push the projection to a respectable 6.7, making him a viable flex‑play for most leagues.
- Johnson finished with 1 reception, 22 yards, and a TD – 6.7 PPR points.
- Evans recorded 2 catches for 19 yards before exiting – 1.4 PPR points.
- Egbuka saw no snaps – 0 points.
- Mayfield’s 312 passing yards added 13.5 fantasy points to the team’s total.
Running backs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White trended higher in most drafts, but the wide‑out headlines now belong to Johnson. If he continues to see snaps in the absence of the duo, his weekly floor rises dramatically.
Looking Ahead: Week 8 and Beyond
The Buccaneers host the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2025. Coach Bowles hinted at a “fresh approach” in the press conference, suggesting Johnson could retain a starting role if the MRI scans are favorable.
Meanwhile, the Lions aim to build on their win, hoping their defense can keep Mayfield in check again. For Tampa Bay, the pressing question is whether the hamstring setbacks will become a lingering saga or a short‑term hiccup.
Key Facts
- Date: October 20, 2025
- Result: Detroit Lions 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20
- Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
- Primary WR impact: Tez Johnson (1‑rec, 22‑yd TD)
- Injured players: Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), Mike Evans (hamstring)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tez Johnson’s performance affect his fantasy value?
Johnson’s 22‑yard touchdown lifts his projected weekly total to about 6.7 PPR points, moving him from a late‑round sleeper to a reliable flex option, especially if Evans and Egbuka miss additional time.
What’s the likely status of Emeka Egbuka for the next game?
Egbuka’s Grade‑1 hamstring strain usually heals within 7‑10 days. Assuming his MRI is clean, he should be cleared to practice on Oct. 23 and could be back in the lineup against New Orleans.
Will Mike Evans be able to play in Week 8?
The Grade‑2 hamstring injury typically requires 2‑3 weeks of rehab. Even if the MRI shows no severe damage, it’s likely Evans will be a game‑time decision at best.
How did the Buccaneers’ offensive line perform against Detroit?
The line, led by left tackle Tristan Wirfs, allowed three sacks and nine quarterback hits, suggesting protection issues that need addressing before facing the Saints.
What are the Saints’ biggest threats to Tampa Bay’s defense?
New Orleans relies heavily on rookie wideout Jameson Williams and veteran tight end Travis Kelce. Both have the speed to exploit the Buccaneers’ shaky secondary, especially if the injured receivers remain out.