Buccaneers Coach Sees Bright NFL Future for Chukwuma

WHO:

buccaneers.com - Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix threw three touchdown passes in the Falcons’ previous game; running back Bijan Robinson had 122 yards from scrimmage, and Kendal Daniels and Jessie Bates III each recorded an interception.

buccaneers.com - Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles praised second-year offensive tackle Benjamin Chukwuma, saying, “He has a huge future in this league as a full-time starter.”

buccaneers.com - Chukwuma joined Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2025 after walking on at Georgia State.

buccaneers.com - Chukwuma moved from Nigeria to the United States at age 17 and played one season of high school football before attending Georgia State. He is 6 feet 6 inches tall.

buccaneers.com - Luke Goedeke was Tampa Bay’s starting right tackle; he was ruled out of the game and was expected to return to the starting lineup once healthy.

buccaneers.com - Chukwuma credited coaches and teammates Kevin Carberry, Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke for helping him develop.

Heavy NFL - Tampa Bay relied on Chukwuma, described as a second-year undrafted free agent, to replace Goedeke.

WHAT:

buccaneers.com - Chukwuma started at right tackle with Luke Goedeke out with a calf injury.

buccaneers.com - Tampa Bay’s 258 rushing yards were the fourth-most in a single game in team history.

buccaneers.com - Tez Johnson played a season-high 41 snaps, led Tampa Bay with 33 receiving yards and a touchdown, and recorded three touches: a 14-yard end-around, a 19-yard catch on third-and-10, and a 14-yard touchdown catch.

buccaneers.com - Kenny Gainwell gained 88 yards on 14 carries in 19 offensive snaps; Sean Tucker gained 52 yards and scored a touchdown on seven carries in nine snaps.

buccaneers.com - Yaya Diaby recorded the first three-sack game of his career and the Buccaneers’ first since 2020.

buccaneers.com - Al-Quadin Muhammad recorded a sack and forced a fumble that led to a Calijah Kancey touchdown.

buccaneers.com - Zyon McCollum recorded an interception that set up Tez Johnson’s touchdown; Jacob Parrish added two passes defensed, bringing his league-leading total to 11.

buccaneers.com - Tez Johnson returned a punt 22 yards, his season-long, and had one kickoff-return rep.

buccaneers.com - Tampa Bay scored 20 points off takeaways against Carolina, sacked Bryce Young five times and recorded two interceptions.

buccaneers.com - Tampa Bay defeated the Carolina Panthers 43–13, rushing for 258 yards. Chukwuma made his third career start and helped the Buccaneers open division play 1–0.

buccaneers.com - Bowles said Chukwuma “did a great job” and described him as having “great size,” being “an athlete,” and being strong.

buccaneers.com - Chukwuma said his rookie-season game experience—more than 150 offensive snaps—helped him learn and grow and gave him confidence in his second year.

buccaneers.com - Chukwuma said he was happy to contribute to the rushing performance and called the experience “a blessing.”

Heavy NFL - Heavy described Tampa Bay’s offensive-line performance as arguably its best of the season and said Goedeke’s absence made it more impressive.

WHERE:

buccaneers.com - The game was played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

WHEN:

buccaneers.com - The Buccaneers are scheduled to play the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET; the game will be broadcast on FOX.

WHY:

buccaneers.com - Tampa Bay turned to Chukwuma because Goedeke was ruled out with an injury.

buccaneers.com - Injuries to multiple starters during Chukwuma’s rookie season led the Buccaneers to shuffle their offensive line, giving him playing experience.

HOW:

buccaneers.com - Chukwuma said he intended to follow the coaches’ instructions, use proper technique and maintain a mindset of “bad intentions” to impose his will on opponents.

buccaneers.com - Bowles credited the offensive line’s work for the team’s 258 rushing yards and said Chukwuma’s strength and athleticism benefited the run game.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Carolina Panthers 43 to 13, rushing for 258 yards, the fourth-highest single-game total in team history. Filling in for injured starting right tackle Luke Goedeke, second-year tackle Benjamin Chukwuma made his third career start, and coach Todd Bowles praised his strength and athleticism. Tampa Bay’s defense added five sacks and two interceptions, while the Buccaneers are set to face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX.