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Emeka Egbuka Back but Huge Star Added to Buccaneers’ Injury Report
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- Emeka Egbuka Back but Huge Star Added to Buccaneers’ Injury Report
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an incredibly tough Week 9 matchup as they look to extend their two-game winning streak and continue increasing their playoff odds.
The Bucs are going on the road to take on the 6-2 Chicago Bears and Ben Johnson's high-powered offense on Sunday Night Football.
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Tampa Bay released its Thursday injury report and it had a pair of significant developments.
Emeka Egbuka, the Bucs' top wide receiver, returned to practice after missing the last two games with a concussion and a foot injury.
That's the good news.
Unfortunately, a brand new addition to Thursday's report could be cause for concern.
Star left tackle Tristan Wirfs, the Bucs' best player, was added to the report on Thursday. After practicing on Wednesday, Wirfs did not practice on Thursday and was officially listed as having a toe injury.
The Bucs will need Wirfs to quickly recover and be ready to play by Sunday night to have a chance of upsetting the Bears.
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Emeka Egbuka
After not practicing at all on Wednesday, Egbuka returned to a full practice on Thursday. Having Egbuka back should be music to Bucs fans' ears.
Though Tampa won both games Egbuka missed, the passing attack has been non-existent. In last week's 16-0 shutout of the Atlanta Falcons , the Bucs became the first NFL team in over 50 years to win a game without completing a pass. In Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers , quarterback Baker Mayfield completed only seven passes for 64 yards, though Tampa won the game 43-13.
To beat the Bears, the Bucs will need a more balanced offense. Egbuka's return to the field should provide the offense with a big boost.
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Tristan Wirfs
Wirfs being added to the injury report is a huge development. Midweek injuries are usually not a good sign for a player being able to play on Sunday. Wirfs has had issues with toe and foot injuries throughout his career, making it extra worrisome.
Friday's report will be very telling, as it will contain official designations for Sunday night. Hopefully, Wirfs can upgrade to at least a limited practice on Friday and be ready for the Bears.
Full Report
In addition to the Egbuka and Wirfs' developments, several other Bucs remain on the report, though nothing was unexpected.
WR Chris Godwin and RB Bucky Irving got the day off to rest. DT A'Shawn Robinson was only limited, but that was also due to veteran rest.
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Mayfield (thumb), G Cody Mauch (back), and TE Cade Otton (thumb) all had their second consecutive full practice.
Safety Tykee Smith (ankle) got in a limited session for the second day in a row.
DL Elijah Roberts returned to a full practice after missing Wednesday for personal reasons.
RB Kenny Gainwell (hip) upgraded to a full practice after being limited Wednesday.
OLB YaYa Diaby, as expected, missed practice. Diaby is expected to miss a few weeks with a knee injury, though he is hoping to avoid a stint on injured reserve.
