One of the more puzzling developments from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' loss to the Chicago Bears was the disappearance of rookie wide receiver Ted Hurst. After showing flashes of potential earlier in the season and earning a meaningful role in the offense, Hurst was practically nonexistent Sunday night, finishing with just one offensive snap and one target, which he failed to bring in. Hurst had been getting opportunities throughout the first half of the season, playing roughly 75 percent of the offensive snaps in three of the first four games. His size and ability to stretch the field offered something different to a receiving group that has struggled to consistently create explosive plays. He entered the Chicago matchup with 11 receptions for
168 yards and a touchdown, but his role has steadily declined in recent weeks. Emeka Egbuka's return certainly changed the receiver rotation, but Hurst's playing time dropped far more than a crowded depth chart would explain. Chris Godwin played 91 percent of the offensive snaps, Tez Johnson played 79 percent, and Egbuka played 76 percent. Hurst, meanwhile, was essentially removed from the game after his first-half drop.
Todd Bowles addressed the decision Monday, making it clear that the rookie still has work to do before earning a larger role. "We think he can help us. I think he got off to a bad start, and then we kind of went with some other guys and wanted to see what they could do," Bowles explained. The head coach also pointed to Hurst's understanding of the offense, saying there are still plenty of nuances he needs to grasp and play with confidence. Bowles acknowledged that the team needs to find ways to get him the football, but also stressed that Hurst has to come down with the opportunities he receives. Drops have consequences, particularly on an offense that cannot afford to waste possessions. However, a bigger question remains: how does Tampa Bay intend to develop Hurst? The Buccaneers have struggled to generate consistent passing production, and removing a 6'4 receiver with downfield ability from the rotation does little to expand the offense's options.
Hurst needs to clean up his mistakes and show he can handle the offense's responsibilities. But the Buccaneers also need to decide what they want him to become. If he is part of their long-term plans, development cannot stop after one bad performance. Sunday night was a setback for the rookie, but how Tampa Bay handles his role coming out of the bye could say just as much about the coaching staff as it does about Hurst.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs rookie's sudden lack of playing time raises major questions
