Oct, 21 2025
When Tez Johnson, wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers snagged a 22‑yard screen touchdown in the third quarter, the crowd at Ford Field barely had time to cheer before the final whistle blew on a 24‑9 loss to the Detroit Lions. The game, part of Week 7 of the 2025 NFL seasonFord Field, turned into a turning point for Tampa Bay’s receiving room after veteran star Mike Evans suffered a broken collarbone and concussion, officially ending his season.
Game Recap and Johnson’s Rising Role
Johnson logged four catches on nine targets for 58 yards, matching his output from Week 5 and eclipsing a modest rookie start that saw just one reception in the first three weeks. The key play came with 8:47 left in the third quarter: a quick screen to Johnson, who slipped past two linebackers and sprinted 22 yards to the house. "He made multiple defenders miss on an impressive catch and run," a CBS Sports analyst noted, highlighting the rookie’s poise under pressure.
That touchdown pushed him to a pair of consecutive four‑catch games, bringing his season total to 10 receptions on 19 targets for 170 yards and two scores. The numbers may look thin, but when you factor in the depth chart shuffling, Johnson’s share of snaps jumped from 7% in Week 3 to nearly 18% by Week 7.
Injury Fallout: Evans, Godwin, and the Receiving Corps
Evans’ injury was nothing short of a nightmare. The 32‑year‑old three‑time First‑Team All‑Pro entered the game with a lingering hamstring issue, but a collision on a deep route resulted in a broken collarbone and a concussion that forced the medical staff to bench him for the rest of the year. The Buccaneers’ medical team confirmed the prognosis on Monday night, estimating a 12‑14‑week recovery after surgery.
Meanwhile, Chris Godwin has been sidelined since a fibula fracture in Week 3, and rookie Emeka Egbuka entered the Lions matchup nursing a hamstring strain. With Evans, Godwin, and Egbuka out, the remaining options are veteran Sterling Shepard, younger Kameron Johnson, and, of course, the breakout Tez Johnson.
What This Means for Tampa Bay’s Offense
Offensive coordinator Liam Coen now faces a puzzle: redistribute Evans’ 127 annual targets without compromising the passing attack’s balance. Early indications suggest Johnson will inherit the bulk of those routes, especially in the intermediate middle of the field where his screen skills have shined.
Analysts predict a short‑term boost for the Buccaneers’ passing efficiency if Coen leans on Johnson’s quick‑release style. "Johnson should stay in a full‑time role and be relied on more," RotoWire Staff wrote on October 14, noting his potential to become a waiver‑wire favorite for fantasy owners.
- Johnson’s target share could rise to ~30% of the team’s total passing attempts.
- Buccaneers rank 21st in passing yards per game; a spark from Johnson could inch them into the top 15.
- Evans’ absence leaves a $5.8 million cap hit for the season, freeing space for a possible mid‑season signing.
Fantasy Implications and Week 8 Outlook
For fantasy managers, the message is clear: grab Johnson now or risk missing out on a high‑upside flex. Fantasy Football Calculator’s October 21 report called him “a name to consider adding off the waiver wire this week,” citing his recent four‑catch streak and the depleted receiving corps.
The Buccaneers face the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, October 26. The Chargers, coming off a high‑scoring affair, will pressure Tampa Bay’s secondary, potentially opening more underneath routes for Johnson.
Historical Context: The Buccaneers’ Receiver Turnover
The Bucs have a long‑standing pattern of sudden depth‑chart upheavals. In 2019, a season‑ending injury to wideout Antonio Brown forced rookie Rob Gronkowski’s brother—just kidding—actually forced newly drafted players to step up, and the team finished 7‑9. Fast forward to 2023, when the loss of Chris Godwin to a hamstring in Week 5 spurred a surprised surge from rookie Jamel “Jaguar” Jones.
Johnson’s situation mirrors those past pivots: a late‑round pick turning into a reliable target when the stars align. If he can sustain the current production, he could join the ranks of other surprise contributors like Michael Thomas and Mike Evans before his own injury woes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Mike Evans' injury affect the Buccaneers' chances this season?
Evans accounted for more than a third of Tampa Bay’s passing targets before his season‑ending injury. Without his deep‑ball threat, the Bucs must rely on shorter routes and quicker releases, which could lower their yard‑per‑play average. However, it also opens opportunities for emerging players like Tez Johnson to fill the void and keep the offense competitive.
What role can Tez Johnson realistically play moving forward?
Johnson is projected to become the primary slot receiver, handling the majority of screen and crossing routes. In the short term, he may see up to 30% of the team’s targets, translating to roughly 70‑80 receptions should he stay healthy and the play‑calling stays favorable.
Which upcoming game offers the best chance for Johnson to boost his fantasy value?
The Week 8 matchup at SoFi Stadium against the high‑powered Chargers is ideal. The Chargers’ aggressive pass rush often forces quarterbacks into quick throws, a situation that favors Johnson’s quick‑release skill set and could result in multiple touchdowns.
How have the Buccaneers handled similar receiving‑room crises in the past?
Historically, Tampa Bay has turned to late‑round picks or undrafted free agents to backfill injuries. In 2019, after a mid‑season loss of a top receiver, the Bucs leaned on a fourth‑year rookie who ended the season with over 600 receiving yards, proving that the organization can adapt quickly.
What does the injury list look like for Tampa Bay going into Week 9?
Alongside Evans (broken collarbone, concussion) and Godwin (fibula fracture), the Bucs have Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), and defensive back Jamel Carter (ankle sprain) on the IR list. Wide receiver depth is thin, making Johnson’s health and performance critical for the next several weeks.