The Bucs are back at home this week after a very successful game in North Carolina. With their record improving to 2-5, and another divisonal game coming up this week, the team has a real opportunity to turn the season around.

Baker Mayfield returned during Week 7 for his first game since being injured during Week 3’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. The quarterback reported for practice again today and seemed to take his return very well. There is still no timeline on how long Mayfield will be wearing the glove on his throwing hand, but the limited throwing he did in game did not affect him.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Bucs run game was the star of the show in Charlotte, with Bucky Irving, Kenny Gainwell and Sean Tucker all getting a chance to make plays. Unfortunately, Gainwell suffered a hip injury during the third quarter, leading him to sit for part of the game before briefly returning. Gainwell did not participate at practice today, but his return to Week 7’s game suggests that he has a high probability of playing against the Falcons this week.

Right tackle Luke Goedeke also did not practice today. Goedeke was out last week with a calf injury that he is still recovering from. In his absence, Ben Chukwuma has stepped up, filling in against the Panthers. Chukwuma played a large role in the 43-13 victory, and it is likely that he will continue to fill in until Goedeke is fully healed.

Bucs LT Ben Chukwuma and Saints LB Mike Rumph – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

While an illness went through the locker room pretty hard a week ago, it appears that it’s not fully gone yet. Inside linebacker Josiah Trotter did not practice because of it, and edge rusher Yaya Diaby was limited.

In better news, the former All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield was back to fully participating at practice on Wednesday. Winfield has missed three games due to a rib injury sustained in Week 4 against the Packers. There has been no shortage of safeties making plays in his absence, with Tykee Smith getting a pick and blocking a PAT in the last game however, it certainly won’t hurt to have Winfield’s veteran leadership back on the field.

Emeka Egbuka is also back to practicing in a limited manner. The wide receiver is out with a foot injury and a concussion. Egbuka practiced last Friday but did not participate in last week’s game. Today, he practiced in a no-hit jersey, meaning he is likely still not cleared from concussion protocol. Practicing this early in the week is a good sign that Egbuka will be taking the field again very soon.

While no game is unimportant, Week 8 is a must-win for the Bucs if they want to turn their season around. Currently sitting at third in the NFC South, another win against a divisional opponent could be huge in helping them climb closer to playoff hopes. With their starting quarterback looking healthy and lots of crucial games coming up, Tampa Bay may be in the right place at the right time.

Bucs Wednesday Injury Report

Yaya Diaby – Illness – Limited

Emeka Egbuka – Concussion/Foot – Limited

Bucs WR Emeka Egbuka – Photo by: Adam Warren P/R

Kenneth Gainwell – Hip – DNP

Luke Goedeke – Calf – DNP

Baker Mayfield – Right Thumb – Full

Josiah Trotter – Illness – DNP

Antoine Winfield Jr. – Rib – Full

Falcons Wednesday Injury Report

Billy Bowman Jr. – Hamstring -DNP

Beaux Collins – Hip – Full

Divine Deablo – Forearm – DNP

Samson Ebukam – Hamstring -Limited

LaCale London – Chest – Limited

Brian Robinson – Hamstring – DNP

Za’Darius Smith – Rest – DNP

Charles Snowden – Back – Limited

Jawaan Taylor – Hamstring – Limited

Avieon Terrell – Illness – Limited

Cameron Williams – Ankle – Full

Olamide Zaccheaus – Shoulder – Limited