Tez Johnson On Bucs Receivers At Full Strength
September 20th, 2026
Stoked that all Bucs receivers should suit up today.
Even though Bucs receiver Ted Hurst only got three targets last week, all in a row, all in the final offensive drive for the Bucs, he demonstrated just how deep the Bucs’ bench is with receivers.
And it’s getting stronger now as Jalen McMillan is expected to suit up for his first game of the season, though KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles cautioned his status will be a game-time decision.
If McMillan is healthy, he is a No. 3 receiver and on most teams in the NFL, he’d likely be a No. 2 and maybe a No. 1.
And Hurst is a No. 4, and he could be a No. 2 for several wide receiver-needy teams. That’s how deep the Bucs are at receiver.
And yeah, Joe hasn’t forgotten about Tez Johnson either. He might be able to start on some teams and with the Bucs, he’s a No. 5 receiver.
Joe spoke with Tez this week and he’s pumped to have everyone available.
“We can be really dangerous,” Tez said. “We’re just happy to have all our pieces back.
“It is always good to see all our guys back on the field together.”
The Bucs’ receiver room is tight. Hurst had raved to Joe this summer about all the help he has received from all the guys in the receivers room. Everyone one of them. And Hurst seemed taken aback at how the Bucs receivers welcomed him with open arms even though, in theory, he could take someone’s job.
Tez explained how the Bucs receivers were shook up at how McMillan was the victim of a cheap shot in Pittsburgh by a piece of Steelers camp meat trying to make a splash play.
McMillan was undercut in a Bucs worthless preseason game in Pittsburgh last summer and didn’t return to the field until mid-December.
“It’s going to be special seeing [possibly take the field today after] he missed half the season like he did last year,” Tez said. “It’s going to be pretty fun watching him take the field and get his feet back underneath him and go out there and play.”
And Tez was genuine in his concern for McMillan and excitement for his return. That’s because, Tez said, the receivers know if someone makes a play, they all make a play.
“One-hundred percent,” Tez said. “We get pumped for each other. We always want the next man [up] to have success too.
“I definitely think your individual success is no bigger than the next man’s. You want to see your teammates get the ball.”
The fact that Bucs offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has yet another toy to play with today, Joe hopes that allows him to be even more creative in building a winning game plan for this afternoon.








September 20th, 2026 at 12:20 am
Thin.
September 20th, 2026 at 1:31 am
GO Tampa Bay(ker)!!
September 20th, 2026 at 1:34 am
They still need to keep working Tez in, he’s a dog!
September 20th, 2026 at 1:43 am
Everyone knows Bowles has the best game plan. Trust Todd and release the worry.