Emeka Egbuka Named to Midseason All-Rookie Team
CBS Sports included Buccaneers' wide receiver Emeka Egbuka in its Midseason All-Rookie Team, noting his 562 receiving yards (seventh-most in NFL) and five receiving touchdowns (tied for eighth-most in NFL). Egbuka is the only player in league history with 25-plus receptions, 400-plus receiving yards and five-plus receiving touchdowns through the first five games of his career. He has ignited a Tampa Bay offense decimated by injuries and has taken the NFL by storm with his route-running acumen and ability to manipulate coverage with subtleties. Egbuka controls the catch point and has elite ball-tracking skills. He is in contention for Offensive Rookie of the Year for his contributions on the field in his inaugural campaign.
Taneka Bowles Featured in Essence for Charitable Work in Tampa
Taneka Bowles, the wife of Buccaneers' Head Coach Todd Bowles, was featured in an Essence publication for her work in the Tampa Bay community. Following the 2020 pandemic, Taneka began pursuing a cause near to her heart: create a fashion show that benefits autism charities and raises awareness. The idea sparked the Tampa Bay Fashion Experience and the Tampa Bay Fashion Foundation. Since its first event in 2023, TBFE has raised over $250,000 for local charities. Taneka also serves on the Autism Acceptance Center board and has helped the Bucs organization tackle service projects throughout Tampa Bay.
Chase McLaughin, Anthony Nelson Named NFC Players of the Week
The NFL announced that Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, and outside linebacker Anthony Nelson was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week Eight. They are the first set of teammates in 2025 to win Player of the Week honors in the same week, and the first set of Tampa Bay teammates to do so since Derrick Brooks and Matt Bryant in 2008 (Week 4).
In Tampa Bay's 23-3 win over NFC South foe New Orleans Saints, McLaughlin converted all three of his field goal attempts of 52, 54 and 55 yards, and both of his extra point attempts. With his performance, he became one-of-two kickers in 2025 with three made field goals of 50-plus yards in a single game (Chris Boswell, Week Eight) and just one-of-four players since 2020 to do so in a single half. On the season, McLaughlin leads the league with eight made field goals of 50-plus yards and ranks tied for second in total field goals made (17) and third in points by a kicker (67). McLaughlin ranks second in NFL history in career field goal percentage on kicks of 50-plus yards (40-of-47, 85.1%), trailing only Brandon Aubrey (29-of-32, 90.6%). He is a perfect 8-for-8 from that distance this season.
Against the Saints, Nelson compiled four tackles (two for loss), 2.0 sacks, two quarterback hits, a forced fumble and a pick-six for a Tampa Bay defense that scored more points (six) than it allowed (three). Nelson became the first player since 2007 to have 2.0 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception return for a touchdown in a single game, and just one-of-three players since 2000 to accomplish that feat. Earning his first sack, his forced fumble, and his interception return touchdown all in the opening half, Nelson became the first player since Khalil Mack (with Chicago, 9/9/18 at Green Bay) to record that stat line all in a single half. In his first start of the season, Nelson set the tone and spurred the unit's domination over the Saints at Caesars Superdome with high-motor play.
