Who Put Ted Hurst In The Doghouse?
November 11th, 2026
Rookie receiver Ted Hurst played one snap of offense on Sunday. He dropped one pass and did not return.
How and why did Hurst’s playing time go down like that, especially when receiver Emeka Egbuka was not 100 percent healthy and the Bucs’ passing game was sad?
Joe wonders what’s been happening in practice. Has Hurst been dropping balls?
And then after that in-game drop, did Bucs coaches throw their hands in the air and say, ‘Hell, no. Not tonight?”
Todd Bowles has a history of being patient with rookies and being fearless about playing them.
And there were the Bucs on Sunday, in catch-up mode against Chicago, and they iced out an explosive player.
Odd.
Bowles and Zac Robinson this week each said (yes, Robinson, too) that Hurst is still learning and they look forward to him contributing more. He has 11 catches for 168 yards and a touchdown.
Perhaps Baker Mayfield has lost faith in Hurst? Hurst’s benching is even more thought-provoking after seeing Tez Johnson drop two third-down throws on Sunday night.
When it comes to Hurst, Joe is biased after watching Hurst excel through training camp, including during joint pratices against the Jets and Jaguars. Hurst also was winning in Bucs practices against what clearly is a quality group of defensive backs.
It will be interesting to see how — and if — the Bucs use Hurst after the bye week.
November 11th, 2026 at 10:48 am
They are afraid of the forward pass. Why put a guy on the field that might accidentally catch a 20 yard pass?
November 11th, 2026 at 10:51 am
They don’t throw intermediate routes lol
November 11th, 2026 at 10:51 am
Inquiring minds do want to know the answer to this question.
Terrific article, Joe.
November 11th, 2026 at 10:53 am
We have to coach better for him to play better.
November 11th, 2026 at 10:59 am
There really isn’t enough balls to go around. By the time Otten gets his 10 targets that doesn’t leave a whole of opportunities for everyone. You get one, don’t blow your chance sir or you are done.
November 11th, 2026 at 11:01 am
Sitting him is not going to help his confidence.
I would keep playing him especially since we are very thin in the pass catchers room.
I get the message but damn !
The Bucs don’t have the luxury to sit WR’s on the game day active roster!
November 11th, 2026 at 11:02 am
Their are a ton of mystries to this offense and why they do what they do. Hurst, Godwin, EE. it appears they are all in the doghouse I guess. Is Godwin being misused or are his best days behind him. Does EE have turf , is he a bust, or again misused. Hurst gets pulled , with no one to replace him?. Why is Baker playinf so bad?. Why is the offensive line committing so many penalities?. Why didn’t the Bucs go after a receiver at the trde deadline if none of the recivers are playing well. All good questions no answers. All we know is the offense is bad other than the run game. No one seems to know.
However, it is hard to see why Robinson is still the OC. I think it starts there. It appears Counsins played bad under Robinson, Penix and Baker.
November 11th, 2026 at 11:05 am
This is the biggest indicator on why Zac is a horrible coach. How tf is this guy not in the game getting reps??!! No first quarter snaps and benched after one drop
In the second quarter?
How about Tez, Zac? Or Chris Godwin? Both have are vets and dropping passes. Bench those two to send a message, not the rook who needs reps to get comfortable. Dude is an idiot and horrible coach
November 11th, 2026 at 11:06 am
Hurst seems to have lost what little confidence he’s had. I don’t think he’s all there mentally. Reminds me of a young RoJo who was talented but lacked the mental aspect until BA arrived n coached him to believe in himself cause prior coaches didn’t know how to motivate him n maximize his skill set. Ted n Tez need to quit with the comedy shows n jokes during season n get tough, hard, n serious about becoming playmakers. They can take their one on one comedy show on the road after the season’s over. We are struggling weekly to make ends meet n these two are dropping easy passes. Heck, bench Hurst n Johnson n bring in the other wr on the practice squad n put them on prove me status. I guarantee this would motivate Hurst n Johnson.
November 11th, 2026 at 11:08 am
Dig Joe, dig. Was thinking the same all night Sunday. His ceiling is way too high to ride the pine considering the lack of separation from the WR group.
November 11th, 2026 at 11:08 am
who cares how any snaps he plays if he drops every pass thrown to him
November 11th, 2026 at 11:19 am
If Hurst is as talented as he has been hyped, then the Bucs need to play him and let him work through the mistakes. Hurst is going to drop some balls and screw up some plays, but receivers need reps to get better.
Steve made a comment in the most recent podcast that the Bucs need to at least have Hurst run the plays that he is comfortable with running. If that is just a go route, then let him do it. With his speed and height, you need to leverage those strengths. Also, three things can happen, and two of them are good: 1) he catches the ball (good), 2) he is fouled (good), or 3), he does not catch the ball (bad). This is not rocket science.
November 11th, 2026 at 11:23 am
He’s the most talented WR on the roster with the highest upside. No offense to Egbuka, JMac and CG, it’s just the truth IMO. He needs to be on the field more!
November 11th, 2026 at 11:32 am
How’s his blocking?
November 11th, 2026 at 11:34 am
We all that Todd is tired of this job. That is why he leaves Walker, Hurst and Daniels on the bench.
November 11th, 2026 at 11:38 am
Happy to answer that for you. He stinks. That’s why. Next question
November 11th, 2026 at 11:46 am
His strong hands
November 11th, 2026 at 11:48 am
Hurst is better than ME13 in his prime. Licht was so smart to grab him when he did.
Should have been drafted first overall. He’s a Jerry Rice clone!
Ted is open get him the rock!!!!!
November 11th, 2026 at 11:52 am
Maurice Stovall 2.Oh no.
November 11th, 2026 at 11:53 am
He deserved to be benched due to drops. Give him a second chance after the bye and if the drops continue, relegate him to special teams.
November 11th, 2026 at 11:56 am
What this OC does almost always blows my mind. This apparently is a prime example!! He should be benched!!
November 11th, 2026 at 11:59 am
Ted Hurst is to our offense, what owning a lawn mower would be to somebody living a high raise condo.
We cannot get him going, because we don’t have what it takes to get him going.
Even with some of his play, the same guys putting him on the pine were saying how eager they were to have him get some valuable reps.
November 11th, 2026 at 11:59 am
Ted Hurst is to our offense, what owning a lawn mower would be to somebody living a high raise condo.
We cannot get him going, because we don’t have what it takes to get him going.
Even with some of his play, the same guys putting him on the pine were saying how eager they were to have him get some valuable reps.
November 11th, 2026 at 12:09 pm
Based on the ridiculous pre-season hype, Hurst was going to be a mix of Calvin Johnson, Mike Evans, Jerry Rice and Justin Jefferson. He’s a raw prospect from a small school – he needed to be coached up – hasn’t happened. It also doesn’t help that the OC’s pass game concepts are less effective than a pop warner team’s would be.
November 11th, 2026 at 12:12 pm
Mayfield actually hit him in the hands!!!
Cmon man!
November 11th, 2026 at 12:17 pm
So fumbling and throwing pics is ok, but don’t drop a pass or you will be benched. Hmmm. Must be more to it. If not then just confirms how sad that staff is.
November 11th, 2026 at 12:18 pm
No need to worry. Mike Evans will be healed up after the bye and ready to rock and roll. Bucs offense is in fine shape.
November 11th, 2026 at 12:20 pm
It can only be Todd, Zac, or both. There mystery solved. Real reason for all failures Bucs is, clueless owners, meathead
November 11th, 2026 at 12:21 pm
GM, bad HC coach
November 11th, 2026 at 12:34 pm
He . Doesnt. Run. His. Route.
November 11th, 2026 at 12:36 pm
What we dont know is what has his attitude been. Has he been pouting? Pointing fingers? I’m definitely not saying he has been but just wondering is this keeping him off the field. Also , I think Joe has a habit of overhyping players in Camp. Remember that Devin Culp guy?
November 11th, 2026 at 1:01 pm
Way too much hype for this kid from a small school who is so raw.
November 11th, 2026 at 1:04 pm
I feel like this site and some of its fans are trying to sell Hurst as some sort of successful replacement for Evans.
I have not seen any consistent high IQ wide receiver in this guy.
Isn’t he clearly just going to be a guy with good size and speed who likely will never be a viable starting receiver.
I think the likely ceiling for Ted Hurst is Marquez Valdes-Scantling. At least way closer to Valdes-Scantling than Mike Evans.
November 11th, 2026 at 1:06 pm
We should have tried to pick up Brian Thomas Jr
November 11th, 2026 at 1:08 pm
Someone has got to get open. Hurst keeps getting the ball knocked out of his hands which means he needs to figure out a way to get another step of separation somehow on his routes. Enough to at least pull the ball into his body.
Egbuka’s toe is still bothering him. I hope the bye brings him to 100% but turf toe is a pain to get healed. So Hurst is a good option to at least try to get him going. Someone has got to beat man-to-man coverage and he has the build and speed to do it. Coaches, please help him out.
November 11th, 2026 at 1:28 pm
Tomlin 2027
Please
Never a losing season
Comes back home
We need major leadership like this
November 11th, 2026 at 1:53 pm
Bro is a sacrificial X right now it seems. He’s on the field but the ball doesn’t come his way.
November 11th, 2026 at 1:54 pm
Jesus Christ, Joe, is this even a discussion?
Hurst has dropped multiple passes this season. Several of them would have been TDs.
That’s why he’s not playing. How is this a surprise?
The real question is why that clown Otton is still playing. What a buffoon, he’s just stealing money. He can’t block. And he can’t catch. But other than that he’s a great tight end.
November 11th, 2026 at 1:59 pm
Horace Copeland 2026 lol bum can’t catch a pass and now he’s gone and infected Tez what a great WR room!! who’d need me13?
November 11th, 2026 at 2:00 pm
“He can’t block. And he can’t catch. But other than that he’s a great tight end.”
Top 3 target of Baker Mayfield every year he’s been here.
Why are ya’ll just now being outraged about the attention Cade gets from Baker after THREE years?
The 2nd biggest target on the field outside of Evans, whenever we didn’t have Evans Cade got the bulk of his targets because he’s easy for Baker to see while he’s moving in the pocket like James Brown.
November 11th, 2026 at 2:13 pm
They all are dropping passes,, the third and 10 (3rd and 10 cause of penalty on 1st down) drops hurt bad ,,, when does JMac come back,, maybe we give Greene or Cam J a shot ,, the losses are Turnovers, Penalties and Drops ,, ,, Run the ball , limit penalties and turnovers , play good D ,, we go 6-2 down the stretch
November 11th, 2026 at 2:20 pm
Great question Joe, I kept looking for him when cameras would show the whole team’s formation just before the snap, and he just wasn’t there. Even wondered if he had gotten injured.
I’ve been so impressed with this yound man. Sure he’s green and has much to learn, but he exudes a very gifted raw talent that needs to be on the field in real game situations because that’s where he will develop is skill set the fastest. And frankly, I think he’s already proven he’s ready for the challenge.
November 11th, 2026 at 3:03 pm
WBL –
Here are Otten’s Stats so far this season and Godwin’s for comparison.
Looks like he can catch to me. If he couldn’t block he wouldn’t be starting and we probably wouldn’t have a #1 rushing attack.
He is a top 3 target because Baker trusts him. (See first downs and 9.2 avg).
Cade Otten Stats 2026
4.2 targets per game (wow, he gets all the targets)
23/38
211 yards
Avg 9.2 yds per reception
15 first downs
Longest Reception – 37 yds
0 TD’s (will they wait until the last game again this year)
Chris Godwin Stats 2026
29/39
259 yards
Avg 8.9 yds per reception
10 first downs
longest Reception – 30 yds
0 TD’s (I guess they are waiting to throw it to him as well)
November 11th, 2026 at 3:18 pm
Baker doesn’t have the right to lose faith in anyone, except for the guy in the mirror.
November 11th, 2026 at 3:33 pm
Mistakes,that can be fixed
Perfect time for the bye
As the Bee Gees cry!!
Stayn Alive
Go Bucs!
November 11th, 2026 at 3:37 pm
I’ve said repeatedly we need to get him touches closer to the line of scrimmage and let his yac ability take over. Also, utilize him in the red zone more with his size and speed.
November 11th, 2026 at 3:40 pm
Normally I would say there has to be something going on behind the scenes that we aren’t privy to. But considering the ineptness of our offensive coordinator this makes perfect sense. The man does not have clue what he is doing. Everyone on the team comes to Bowles defense when stuff goes bad saying what a great coach he is. I have yet to hear a single soul on that team defend Robinson and say what a great coach he is. Everything involving this offense is enigmatic.
November 11th, 2026 at 4:50 pm
We’re concerned about a rookie that didn’t dominate division 2 not getting reps because he’s our only NFL caliber athlete.
Is this the worst WR room of all time?
November 11th, 2026 at 4:50 pm
Ummm,
he can’t catch the ball.
Seems important.
November 11th, 2026 at 4:52 pm
No receivers have to leave the house anymore. Should have traded Godwin before they completely ruin any value.
November 11th, 2026 at 5:17 pm
No mystery, too many drops.
November 11th, 2026 at 5:41 pm
Hurst has earned the practice squad. Should not be in the regular team lineup. Cant hold on to the ball. No confidence in Jason for not going out and getting someone during the trade period. Anyone is better than Hurst. Upsetting to see the defense wasted on the offense that cant score points. And yeah I’m down on Baker after Sunday. Also, hiring Zac was worse than keeping Grizz. lol.
November 11th, 2026 at 6:34 pm
Guy dropped passes on 100% of the plays he was in…sounds like he put himself in the doghouse
November 11th, 2026 at 6:54 pm
Stop dropping Dude!
November 11th, 2026 at 7:10 pm
“Who Put Ted Hurst In The Doghouse?” What house is Zac in? Please somebody tell him it is 2026 not 1936.
November 11th, 2026 at 7:48 pm
“One of those Gater Bois Says:
November 11th, 2026 at 3:03 pm
WBL –
Here are Otten’s Stats so far this season and Godwin’s for comparison.
Looks like he can catch to me. If he couldn’t block he wouldn’t be starting and we probably wouldn’t have a #1 rushing attack.“
Please, help me understand the point you’re trying to make because I don’t understand what you’re even trying to say. A-for effort and N/A on the snark or whatever it is you guys piped in there.
November 11th, 2026 at 8:15 pm
Ice an explosive player!? Really. He looks slow and doesn’t catch very well.
So what he looked good in camp. Thats doesn’t mean didly squat. We could have drafted him in the 5th round. It was a reach pick from the beginning.
The WR group is terrible as a whole. Aging Godwin, whom we all love, 2nd year Emeka who now looks like Michael Clayton the second, Hurst who I just mentioned. McMillan and Johnson who are fast but weak and injured alot.
On top of that instead of drafting a big TE that can catch. Licht re.signed Otton for maybe more money then he is worth. Better blocker then receiver.
Honestly they are in need of a real WR1 and a TE1 next year to compete in this league.
November 11th, 2026 at 9:22 pm
He s another licht small school reach in early rounds. Waste of a pick really.
I ve been critical of JL last 3 or 4 drafts as not much as panned out not
Named bucky irvin.
The pass blocking is probably bottom 3 in the league and on top of
That guys are dropping passes. Zac Robinson will be canned after
This year and baker will have his 5th OC in 5 years. NUTS!
November 11th, 2026 at 10:36 pm
Too soon to tell whether Hurst is a bust or a boom. The kid hasn’t had enough game reps.
All receivers drop passes. ME13 dropped passes.
Robinson seems lost. Bowles might have him on too tight of a leash.
November 11th, 2026 at 10:44 pm
they were down to third string corners and the one matchup advantage. The Buck had to do what they couldn’t do in that game. Get the ball down field. Is Hurst !!
Bowles and Licht are just plain as sometimes Stupid Jocks !!
November 11th, 2026 at 10:54 pm
tez had drops its not the drops , hurst comes across as an idiot. that drop he had looked like it was due to a lack of effort
November 11th, 2026 at 11:23 pm
Anon.
I’ve watched the Bucs since year one
This is the worst WR room I’ve seen since the Nineties.
Offensive line is great Run blockers, but absolute worse pass blockers I’ve seen in 40 years.
And we are only able to rush the Passer, when we blitz.
Those are all on Jason Licht. Cant believe the Recent poll said the majority of responders were confident in Licht!
Have any of those people actually watched a football game? This is a poorly built team- and it’s all On Licht!
The GM builds the Team!