Emeka Egbuka Ruled Out for Bucs vs. Falcons

Emeka Egbuka is out again. Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said Friday that Egbuka has cleared the concussion protocol, but a foot injury will keep him off the field for Sunday's NFC South game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium.

That stings for a Tampa Bay team at 2-5 that needs every playmaker it has. Egbuka also sat out last Sunday's win over the Panthers, and this will be a second straight game without him in a division race that is still wide open.

How the Week Played Out

Bucs fans had real hope early in the week. Egbuka shed his noncontact jersey and was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday, per the team's official injury report. Then he did not practice Friday, and the team listed him as out.

The foot is now the issue, not the head. Bowles said the concussion is cleared, but the foot injury Egbuka has been dealing with for about two weeks is what keeps him out, NBC Sports reported. Egbuka has 28 catches for 240 yards and two touchdowns this season.

Who Steps Up at Receiver

With Egbuka out, Chris Godwin Jr. is the veteran in the room, and Ted Hurst III and Tez Johnson figure to soak up more snaps and targets. Godwin and Bucky Irving were both listed as rest days Thursday and were full participants Friday with no game designation.

It has been a while since the Bucs had their full passing game, too. Egbuka and Mayfield have not played together since Week 3, ESPN's Michael F. Florio noted, so this offense has been patching things together at receiver for over a month.

The bigger relief is at quarterback. Baker Mayfield practiced fully all week with his right thumb and carries no designation. Running back Kenny Gainwell (hip) and tackle Luke Goedeke (calf) are questionable. On the other side, Atlanta (3-4) has already ruled out running back Brian Robinson with a hamstring injury.

Sunday in Tampa

Kickoff is Sunday at 10 AM PT (1 PM ET). Egbuka's next shot to play is Week 9 against the Bears, and the Bucs have their bye the week after that, so the team has a clear window to get his foot right.

My Smacktok lean: lean higher on Chris Godwin Jr.'s receptions against Atlanta. With Egbuka out, Godwin is the most experienced receiver Mayfield has, and he practiced fully on Friday with no designation.