Oregon WR Tez Johnson Explodes for Career-High Game—What His Breakout Means for the Ducks’ Playoff Push

TAMPA, Fla. – Rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson is suddenly at the center of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense, and fantasy football managers and Bucs fans alike are scrambling to learn more about the 5-foot-10 spark plug from Oregon. Next man up after injuries With Pro Bowlers Chris Godwin (hamstring) and Mike Evans (ankle) both questionable for Sunday’s Week 6 showdown against the San Francisco 49ers, head coach Todd Bowles confirmed Johnson will see “significant snaps” on the outside and in the slot. Johnson already flashed in Week 5, hauling in all four of his targets for 59 yards and adding a jet-sweep rush for two yards in the 38-35 victory over Seattle. Why the Bucs believe Coaches rave about Johnson’s yards-after-catch burst. Passing-game coordinator Dave Canales said the seventh-round pick scored a “10 out of 10” in the staff’s post-draft competitive-toughness grade. In training camp he consistently separated on option routes and finished preseason with a team-best 3.42 yards per route run, earning him the WR4 role entering September. Now he’s one injury report away from leading Tampa Bay in targets. College pedigree and chemistry Johnson posted 1,182 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns for the Oregon Ducks in 2024, working as Bo Nix’s go-to slot threat. Off the field, the two are adopted brothers, a unique bond that has helped Johnson’s transition to NFL life. That rapport shows up on quick timing routes; Nix, now Denver’s starter, texted Johnson this week telling him to “keep proving them wrong,” according to team sources. Matchup vs. 49ers San Francisco’s defense ranks 26th against slot receivers, surrendering 81.3 yards per game to inside targets. Coordinator Kacy Rodgers hinted the Bucs will feature Johnson on bubble screens and crossers to neutralize Nick Bosa’s pass rush. Expect quarterback Kyle Trask to look Johnson’s way early on tunnel screens that function as extended handoffs. Fantasy football outlook Johnson is available in 92 percent of major redraft leagues. His combination of projected snap share, soft coverage zones underneath, and 4.38-speed makes him a high-upside flex play for Week 6. DFS platforms have yet to price him above the minimum, creating sneaky tournament leverage. What Johnson says “I’ve been the smallest guy on every field. That won’t change,” Johnson told reporters Thursday. “But my heart and preparation are bigger than anybody’s. I’m ready for the moment.” The rookie noted he spent extra time on the JUGS machine this week and studied 49ers nickelback Deommodore Lenoir’s tendencies to jump slant routes. Looking ahead Even if Godwin or Evans suits up, Johnson’s role appears locked in. Tampa Bay’s schedule after San Francisco features favorable secondaries in Carolina and New Orleans. A strong October could cement Johnson as one of the 2025 season’s best late-round draft steals and add a new explosive dimension to an offense that desperately needs after-catch juice. Key stats at a glance • Season line: 7 receptions on 8 targets, 92 yards, 0 TDs • Week 5 snap share: 61 percent (career high) • YAC/Reception: 7.8 yards (team best) • Routes from slot: 69 percent Bottom line Tez Johnson’s rise from seventh-round flyer to potential Week 6 X-factor is no fluke. Tampa Bay trusts his route-running IQ, and the depth chart has opened the door for an immediate fantasy breakout. If he capitalizes Sunday, the Buccaneers may have uncovered their next big-play weapon—and search interest around his name will only keep climbing.