Tez Johnson Emerges as Buccaneers’ Surprise Weapon Amid Receiver Injuries
When Tez Johnson, a 23‑year‑old wide receiver from Jefferson County, Alabama, signed his rookie contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in May 2025, the NFL world took note. Drafted 235th overall in the 2025 NFL DraftDetroit, Michigan, Johnson entered a receiving corps bruised by injuries. As of Week 7, his 4‑catch, 58‑yard touchdown effort against the Detroit Lions gave the Buccaneers a fresh option on the sideline. The twist is that his rise comes while veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin nurse broken bones, a scenario that could rewrite his rookie script.
From Troy to Oregon: The College Journey That Shaped a Pro
Johnson’s path to Tampa Bay wasn’t a straight line. He began at Troy University, playing for the Trojans during his freshman year before transferring to the University of Oregon. At Oregon, he compiled a 169‑reception, 2,080‑yard, 20‑touchdown résumé across 26 games, showcasing the ball‑carrying instincts that NFL scouts fell in love with. The Ducks’ offensive coordinator, Ken Wagner, once said Johnson could “create separation in a way that makes defenders look lazy.” His 4.51‑second 40‑yard dash at the 2025 Scouting Combine confirmed the raw speed hinted at in his college tape.
Rookie Season: Early Numbers and Highlight‑Reel Plays
Johnson’s first five games of the 2025 season have been a mixed bag of limited snaps and flashes of potential. In Week 1, he was targeted once but didn’t record a catch. Week 2 saw him sit on the bench entirely. The breakthrough came on September 28, when he not only logged his first reception (an 8‑yard grab) but also scored his first NFL touchdown on a 5‑yard rush. By Week 5, he posted a 59‑yard, four‑catch day against an unnamed opponent, averaging 14.8 yards per catch.
The biggest story, however, unfolded on October 20. Against the Lions, Johnson hauled in four of nine targets for 58 yards and a 22‑yard touchdown in the third quarter. RotoWire analyst Matt Harmon wrote, “Johnson tied for second on the night in receptions and yards, and his second‑career TD came at just the right moment as the Buccaneers’ WR depth crumbled.” By the end of Week 7, his cumulative stats read 10 receptions on 19 targets for 170 yards and two touchdowns—a noticeable uptick from the 6‑reception total reported after Week 6.
Injuries Open the Door: Opportunity Grows in Tampa Bay’s Receiving Corps
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles arrived at the same conclusion: “We’ve got to trust the guys who are ready. Tez has been working hard in practice, and the injuries to Evans and Godwin forced us to look elsewhere.” Both Mike Evans (broken collarbone and a concussion) and Chris Godwin (fibula fracture) are projected to miss multiple weeks, leaving a void that Johnson is primed to fill.
Because of the injuries, Johnson’s snap count has risen dramatically. He logged a career‑high 38 snaps – roughly 72 % of the offensive plays – during the Lions game. That’s the kind of trust a seventh‑round pick rarely receives in his first season. The Buccaneers’ general manager Jason Licht hinted in a post‑game press conference that Johnson could see “more red‑zone looks” moving forward.
Fantasy Outlook: From Late‑Round Flier to Potential Steal
On the fantasy side, Johnson entered the 2025 preseason at an average draft position (ADP) of #335.82 according to RotoWire. That made him a typical late‑round sleeper. Yet analysts now argue he could be a “seventh‑round steal” if the Buccaneers continue to lean on him for big‑play opportunities. His yards‑per‑catch numbers – 18.7 overall and 45.0 in the October 12 game – suggest a high ceiling for a rookie still finding his rhythm.
The consensus is cautious optimism. While he’s unlikely to replace Evans as the No. 1 receiver, Johnson could become a valuable flex option, especially in leagues that reward punt‑return contributions. In fact, Buccaneers special‑teams coach Lance Thomas mentioned that Johnson is also competing for punt‑return duties, a role that could boost his fantasy value considerably.
What Lies Ahead: Projections for the Remainder of 2025
If Evans and Godwin miss the bulk of the month of November, Johnson could see his target share climb into the 40‑% range of the passing offense. That would translate to roughly 5‑6 catches per game and a solid 60‑70 yard per‑game average – numbers that would place him among the league’s top 30 rookie receivers.
However, there are risks. Defensive coordinators will soon scout his tendencies, and the Buccaneers may pull another veteran – perhaps a practice‑squad signing – to keep the offense balanced. Still, as coach Bowles put it, “The NFL rewards the player who’s ready when the call comes.” Johnson’s blend of speed, route‑running polish, and under‑dog mentality suggests he’ll answer that call.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tez Johnson’s emergence affect the Buccaneers’ receiving depth?
Johnson provides a viable third‑option that can stretch the field, especially while Mike Evans and Chris Godwin recover. His ability to get open deep and his potential role on punt returns give Tampa Bay flexibility without committing another high‑salary veteran.
What trends do Johnson’s stats show over his first seven weeks?
He’s gone from zero catches in his first two games to averaging roughly 2.5 receptions per game by Week 7, with a yards‑per‑catch average hovering near 18. This jump coincides with increased targets and higher snap counts as injuries mount.
Which veteran receivers are currently sidelined, and for how long?
Mike Evans suffered a broken collarbone and a concussion in the October 20 loss and is expected to miss 4‑6 weeks. Chris Godwin’s fibula fracture puts him out at least 5 weeks. Both injuries push the Buccaneers to rely on younger talent like Johnson.
What are fantasy analysts predicting for Johnson’s ADP going forward?
RotoWire now projects his ADP to climb into the low‑300 range for the remainder of the season, especially in leagues that reward flex‑position players. If he secures punt‑return duties, his value could rise even further.
When can we expect Johnson to become a regular starter?
If the Buccaneers’ WR injuries persist into November, Bowles has hinted Johnson could start in upcoming games. A realistic timeline is the second half of the season, assuming he maintains his current production and avoids injury himself.
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