Sterling Shepard: Everything you need to know

Shepard secured 39 of 53 targets for 371 yards and a touchdown while adding four rushes for 19 yards across 13 games during the 2025 regular season. The veteran wideout posted his most receptions and receiving yards since the 2020 season thanks to the Buccaneers' host of wide-receiver injuries during the first two-thirds of the season. However, the veteran recorded a scant 2-10-0 line on three targets after Week 12, and he wound up not seeing the field in the final four games of the campaign. The string of absences likely brings Shepard's tenure in Tampa Bay to a close, as he'll turn 33 in February and will be an unrestricted free agent at the start of the new league year.

Shepard (coach's decision) is inactive for Saturday's game against the Panthers, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports. Shepard played a key role in the Buccaneers' offense for most of the year, but he will end up missing the final four games of the regular season. That absence has coincided with the returns of Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan from injured reserve, and Shepard will end the 2025 regular season with 39 catches (on 53 targets) for 371 yards and one touchdown while adding four carries for 19 yards across 13 games. The Buccaneers would clinch the NFC South division title with a win Saturday and a Falcons loss to the Saints on Sunday, though Shepard would be unlikely to play in the postseason, barring an injury or absence to Tampa Bay's wide receiver corps.

Shepard (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against Carolina, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports. Shepard had a big role in Tampa Bay's passing game early in the campaign while the team dealt with multiple injuries among its wide-receiver corps. However, the veteran wideout didn't log any offensive snaps last week against Atlanta, which coincided with both Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan returning to action after long absences. Now that the Bucs' wideout room is almost fully healthy, Shepard may not have a role for most contests.