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Egbuka Out, Winfield In Ahead of Bucs' Divisional Showdown
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- Egbuka Out, Winfield In Ahead of Bucs' Divisional Showdown
(IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Connect)
With the Carolina Panthers losing on Thursday Night Football, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an opportunity to vault to the top of the NFC South with a win against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
Starting quarterback Baker Mayfield should be much healthier than his first game back, while the defense is looking to carry over their performance against the Panthers.
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But, the Bucs will be without some key contributors, including second-year wide receiver Emeka Egbuka , who was ruled out by head coach Todd Bowles on Friday.
Egbuka had missed last week due to a concussion, while also dealing with a lingering foot injury.
He cleared concussion protocol this week, but the foot injury has not healed enough for Tampa's lead wideout to return.
When available, Egbuka has been inconsistent with his production, as he is yet to eclipse 65 or more yards in a game this season.
Last season, Egbuka led the Bucs in receptions (63) and yards (938), while finishing as a finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
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Egbuka's solid leadership and talent became apparent throughout the first half of what turned out to be an injury-racked season for Tampa Bay, as the rookie wideout stepped up during Mike Evans' and Chris Godwin Jr.'s absences.
Getting the second-year Ohio State product healthy and ready to go for the rest of the season should be a priority, as Egbuka has shown the ability to be Mayfield's go-to target in the past.
One positive piece of injury news is the return of Antoine Winfield Jr. , who suffered a rib fracture in the Bucs' Week 4 loss against the Green Bay Packers.
The former First-Team All Pro safety had gotten off to a solid start to the season, recording 24 tackles and a forced fumble over his four games.
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Getting back one of the leaders on the defense will be a big boost for head coach Todd Bowles' defensive unit, while Tykee Smith is beginning to come into his own as well.
Smith, who got a lot more run during Winfield's absence, has recorded 17 total tackles and an interception over the past two weeks, filling in admirably.
With the NFL's leading rusher coming to town in Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, Winfield's ability to get downhill and make tackles in space will be crucial.
The Bucs look to pick up their first home victory of the season Sunday at 1:00 p.m. against the Falcons.
