Bucs Rookie WR Sparks Excitement Amid Injury Concerns

WHO:

buccaneers.com - Ted Hurst III, Baker Mayfield, Todd Bowles, Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., Tez Johnson, David Walker, Marcus West, Larry Foote

Heavy NFL - Ted Hurst III

WHAT:

buccaneers.com - The Buccaneers selected Ted Hurst III in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft.

buccaneers.com - Hurst is described as a "go-to target" for Mayfield during practice.

buccaneers.com - Jalen McMillan, Chris Godwin Jr., and Emeka Egbuka did not practice on a Tuesday.

buccaneers.com - Tez Johnson exited practice early due to a tweak sustained during a one-on-one drill.

buccaneers.com - David Walker has impressed the coaching staff in 2026 after recovering from an ACL injury.

Heavy NFL - Ted Hurst III is referred to as a "dangerous" weapon for the Buccaneers' offense.

WHERE:

buccaneers.com - AdventHealth Training Center

WHEN:

buccaneers.com - The Buccaneers' fourth-round draft pick David Walker tore his ACL a year ago.

buccaneers.com - Walker received the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award as the nation's top FCS defender.

WHY:

buccaneers.com - Todd Bowles noted that McMillan and Egbuka were kept off the turf as a safeguard due to lower body soreness.

buccaneers.com - Godwin has been receiving veteran days off throughout camp and was likely sidelined as a precaution.

buccaneers.com - Walker stated that last year the team was "bombed with injuries" and lacked pressure.

HOW:

buccaneers.com - Hurst pairs an effective stutter step with exceptional acceleration and has shown the ability to climb the ladder.

buccaneers.com - Walker aims to increase pressure with a "four to one" approach on the defensive line.

The Buccaneers have made headlines by selecting Ted Hurst III in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft, where he has quickly become a "go-to target" for Baker Mayfield during practice. Meanwhile, Jalen McMillan, Chris Godwin Jr., and Emeka Egbuka were held out of practice for precautionary reasons, while Tez Johnson exited early due to a minor tweak. David Walker, who impressed the coaching staff after recovering from an ACL injury, aims to bolster the defense with a "four to one" approach on the line.