Bengals’ first opponent of the 2026 season adds on another issue that could impact the season-opener
The Cincinnati Bengals open the 2026 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 13, and Tampa Bay is dealing with a growing list of problems that could tilt the Week 1 matchup in Cincinnati’s favor.
The Cincinnati Bengals open the 2026 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 13, and Tampa Bay is dealing with a growing list of problems that could tilt the Week 1 matchup in Cincinnati’s favor.
From contract disputes involving quarterback Baker Mayfield and defensive tackle Vita Vea, to a concerning injury to one of their best young players, the Buccaneers are dealing with a ramp up to the season.
Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles told reporters Monday morning second-year wide receiver Emeka Ebuka is “day to day, week to week” with a toe sprain. Bowles could not say whether the injury will affect Ebuka’s Week 1 availability.
Emeka Ebuka’s Ohio State pedigree and promising rookie year
Plenty of Bengals fans know Ebuka’s game well. Tampa Bay’s first-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft was a three-year starter at Ohio State who caught 205 receptions for 2,868 yards and 24 touchdowns in 49 career games with the Buckeyes. He finished his Ohio State career as the program’s all-time leader in both receptions and receiving yards.
That success translated immediately with the Buccaneers early last season. Ebuka ranked fourth in receiving yards (445) and second in touchdowns (5) through five games before a hamstring injury in mid-October caused his efficiency to drop off dramatically. He finished his rookie campaign with 63 receptions for 938 yards and six touchdowns.
It’s very possible Tampa Bay will be without its new No. 1 receiver when the Buccaneers arrive at Paycor Stadium for Week 1.
Baker Mayfield, Vita Vea’s situations compound Tampa’s troubles
The Ebuka injury is only one layer of what the Buccaneers are dealing with. Vea wants a pay raise, and reports indicate the Pro Bowl defensive tackle is likely to be traded if he doesn’t get one. Losing Vea before the opener would strip Tampa Bay of one of the NFL’s most dominant interior defenders, and make life much easier for the Bengals in the season-opener.
Meanwhile, Mayfield’s contract situation adds another wrinkle. An extension doesn’t appear to be coming anytime soon, which could leave the quarterback playing motivated by frustration rather than long-term security.
Time is moving quickly for the Bucs. They have no resolution on tap with Vea, Mayfield isn’t in the best of spirits, and now his top wideout is on the mend.
Cincinnati should have a favorable setup for its first game of the year.
