When Tez Johnson, rookie wide receiver of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stepped onto the field for his first real stretch of snaps in Week 6, fantasy owners took notice.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Veteran star Mike Evans was ruled out with a clavicle injury, and fellow starter Chris Godwin was nursing a leg ailment, leaving the receiving corps thin as a drum‑skin.
On Sunday, October 25, 2025, the Buccaneers faced the San Francisco 49ers in a battle that would decide whether Johnson merely filled a gap or slipped onto the coveted flex radar for deep‑league managers. The stage was set at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, and the story that unfolded has already sparked a flurry of analysis across fantasy platforms.
Injury Fallout Opens Door for the Rookie
The official injury report released on Friday, October 18, 2025, confirmed Evans’ clavicle fracture would keep him sidelined for the bulk of the season. Earlier reports had suggested a hamstring issue, but the new diagnosis was a game‑changer. Godwin’s leg strain, announced the same day, meant the Buccaneers would lean heavily on the remaining veterans—31‑year‑old Sterling Shepard—and any hopeful newcomers.
Enter Johnson. Drafted in the sixth round (181st overall) out of the University of Oregon, he had been a quiet footnote in the first four games. But a breakout Week 5 against Seattle, where he logged four receptions for 59 yards, hinted at untapped upside.
Johnson’s Recent Performances: Numbers That Speak
Against the Detroit Lions on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Ford Field, Johnson hauled in four passes for 58 yards and a touchdown—his first NFL score. The Buccaneers fell 24‑9, but Johnson’s 11.5 PPR points (72 % snap share, three targets, one reception, 45 yards, one TD) grabbed headlines.
Analytics guru Bettor In Green posted a YouTube breakdown on October 20, highlighting Johnson’s 72 % snap share as the highest among Tampa Bay receivers that week, even edging out the veteran Shepard.
Fantasy rankings reflected the surge. Fantasy Pros listed him as WR #43 in their Week 8 Expert Consensus Rankings, with a best‑case projection of #42 and a low of #50 across eight expert panels.
Fantasy Implications: Flex Radar Lights Up
RotoBaller’s October 19 piece summed it up succinctly: “The increased playing time could sneak Johnson onto the flex radar in deep leagues for this weekend.” The recommendation aligned with Sports Illustrated DFS strategy, which urged managers to stack quarterback Baker Mayfield with Johnson on FanDuel doubleheaders.
For owners in 12‑team PPR leagues, the calculus is simple: Johnson faces a 49ers secondary that allowed 258.3 passing yards per game through five weeks—ranked 24th in the league. DraftKings Network’s pre‑game preview (Oct 10) flagged him as a flex candidate starting Week 6, especially with the Buccaneers’ top two options unavailable.
In practice, the move means swapping a low‑floor bench player for a rookie who’s already proven he can convert a limited target share into a touchdown and solid yardage. The risk? A small sample size and a rookie still learning NFL route concepts.
Coaching Perspective and Team Outlook
Offensive coordinator Liam Coen, age 38, addressed the situation in the October 18 press conference. He confirmed Johnson would see expanded responsibilities in three‑receiver sets, emphasizing that “the talent we have on this roster can adapt quickly, and Tez has shown he can handle the next level of competition.”
That endorsement, coupled with the Buccaneers’ need to maintain a balanced attack without Evans, suggests a strategic shift toward more short‑and‑intermediate routes designed to exploit Johnson’s route‑running pedigree from his Oregon days.
Meanwhile, veteran Shepard, now the de‑facto number‑two receiver, has been vocal about supporting the rookie’s development, noting that “the more we get the ball moving, the better it is for everyone.”
Upcoming Schedule: When Will Johnson Stay On the Field?
The next test comes Sunday, October 26, 2025, when Tampa Bay travels to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to take on the New York Giants. With Evans projected to miss “most of the remainder of the regular season,” Johnson’s elevated role is expected to continue, at least through the second half of the calendar year.
Analysts at Fantasy Footballers speculate that if Johnson can sustain a 70 % snap share and maintain at least one target per game, his weekly fantasy floor could settle around 7‑8 PPR points—a respectable contribution for a flex slot.
That projection hinges on the Buccaneers staying healthy on the offensive line and Mayfield continuing to trust his new weapon. If all goes well, Johnson could finish the season as a “late‑round jewel” that many owners have already added to their watchlists.
Key Facts
- Tez Johnson’s first NFL TD came on October 20, 2025 vs. the Detroit Lions.
- Mike Evans’ clavicle fracture sidelines him for the majority of the season.
- Johnson recorded a 72 % snap share in Week 6, the highest among Buccaneers WRs.
- Fantasy Pros ranks him as WR #43 in Week 8 expert consensus.
- Upcoming matchup: Buccaneers vs. New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Oct 26, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tez Johnson’s increased role affect fantasy owners?
Owners can consider Johnson as a low‑risk flex option in 12‑team PPR leagues. His 11.5 PPR output against Detroit demonstrates his ability to generate points on limited targets, and with Evans out, his snap share is likely to stay above 60 %.
What is the timeline for Mike Evans’ return?
Current medical reports project a 6‑8 week recovery for Evans’ clavicle fracture, meaning he will miss the bulk of the regular season. The Buccaneers have not indicated an accelerated timeline.
Will the Buccaneers’ offense change without Evans?
Offensive coordinator Liam Coen has confirmed a shift toward three‑receiver sets, emphasizing short routes and motion to create space for Johnson and Shepard. Expect more play‑action passes from Baker Mayfield to keep defenses guessing.
What makes the Week 6 matchup against the 49ers favorable?
San Francisco’s secondary ranks 24th in passing yards allowed (258.3 yards/game). The Buccaneers will likely target the middle of the field where Johnson excels, giving him a clear path to rack up yards and potential scores.
How did Johnson perform in his first NFL start?
In his first start, Johnson recorded four catches for 58 yards and a touchdown, converting 45% of his snaps into receptions and earning 11.5 PPR points—a strong debut that surprised many analysts.