The Bucs injury report for the start of Week 9 came out on Wednesday and there still hasn’t been a lot of progress with former first round pick wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. The second year wide receiver has missed the previous two games with a foot injury and a concussion and yet his statius has not improved much this week.

It should be noted that Egbuka cleared protocol towards the end of Week 8, so he is now listed with just a foot injury on the injury report, but he did not practice once again. Instead he ran on a side field individually. Tampa Bay is in an odd spot with their passing game. They have thrown for a combined 64 yards in their two game winning streak due to an incredible running game, so they haven’t needed to pass the ball, or really need Egbuka.

Bucs WR Emeka Egbuka, TE Cade Otton and C Graham Barton – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

But there comes a time when the Bucs will have to throw it, and that becomes a big questions. Even with no Egbuka, Tampa Bay needs someone to step up. Tez Johnson and Ted Hurst III have had some moments here and there, but not consistently enough. Chris Godwin Jr, a veteran team leader and captain, is not the receiver he once was, and doesn’t get many targets. This all puts the Bucs in a conundrum if they have to get the passing game going to win. Running back Kenny Gainwell was limited in practice, but otherwise the offense was good to go.

It was expected that outside linebacker Yaya Diaby would not be participating on Wednesday as it has been confirmed that he is dealing with an MCL sprain. The Bucs have plenty of depth at outside linebacker to get a rotation going so it will give some more opportunities to several players.

Bucs OLB Yaya Diaby – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

Defensive tackle Elijah Roberts did not participate due to personal reasons, so that will be monitored over the next two practices to see whether he will return for this week’s planning. The Bucs have momentum on their side, but also have a huge matchup on their hands on the road against the Bears, who look to be their toughest opponent yet.

Here is the injury report for the Bucs and Bears ahead of their primetime game.

Bucs Wednesday Injury Report

Yaya Diaby – Knee – DNP

Emeka Egbuka – Foot – DNP

Kenneth Gainwell – Hip – Limited

Bucs RB Kenny Gainwell – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

Cody Mauch – Back – Full

Baker Mayfield – Right Thumb – Full

Cade Otton – Thumb – Full

Elijah Roberts – Personal – DNP

Tykee Smith – Ankle – Limited

Bears Wednesday Injury Report

Theo Benedet – Shoulder – DNP

T.J. Edwards – Personal – DNP

Grady Jarrett – Groin – DNP

Kyle Monangai – Thumb/Toe – DNP

Malik Muhammad II – Toe – Limited 

Zavier Scott – Wrist – DNP