It will be interesting to see how the Bucs approach Week 8’s game against the Falcons, especially with offensive coordinator, Zac Robinson having some familiarity there. Add in the overwhelming chance of rain, and there is no doubt the run game will be vital for success. Thankfully, it looks like the Bucs just may have a healthy running back room heading into the weekend.

Kenny Gainwell was not a participant in yesterday’s practice after being briefly pulled from last week’s game with a hip injury. On Thursday he was back at practice, but his participation was limited. If things continue to go smoothly, it is likely that he will play in Week 8 for a game where all the running backs might be utilized due to a lot of rain expected in the weather forecast. His game status will be determined on Friday after practice.

Emeka Egbuka was once again limited, which raises an eyebrow as to whether or not he’ll be playing in Sunday’s game. However, he did wear a regular practice jersey instead of a non-contact jersey he had on the day before. The Bucs proved last week that they can get the job done without him, but his route running and overall knowledge of the game make him a valuable piece to have. Having a healthy wide receiver room for a divisional game like this one could be the difference in winning or losing.

Bucs WR Emeka Egbuka and Cardinals DE Josh Sweat – Photo by: USA Today

In better news, Yaya Diaby and Josiah Trotter are both back to full participation after feeling under the weather yesterday. As it turns out, even the Bucs aren’t immune to seasonal illness, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see more Bucs on the injury report under this category as the weather gets colder.

Baker Mayfield is still going strong, and was a full participant in practice again today. This will be Mayfield’s second game back from injury and will be another test of how much his thumb can handle. Antoine Winfield Jr. was also a full participant today, making it likely that he will play this weekend.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Kat Beutel P/R

The Bucs are desparate for a win at home after a seven-week stretch with only two wins, both of which were on the road. Week 8 is sure to be memorable, especially given the history between Zac Robinson and the Falcons, as well as Baker Mayfield and current Falcons head coach, Kevin Stefanski. Tampa Bay is hungry, and what better way to make a statement than a win against a divisional opponent on the Bucs’ home turf?

Bucs Thursday Injury Report

Yaya Diaby – Illness – Full

Emeka Egbuka – Concussion/Foot – Limited

Kenneth Gainwell – Hip – Full

Chris Godwin – Rest – DNP

Luke Goedeke – Calf – DNP

Bucky Irving – Rest – DNP

Bucs RB Bucky Irving – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

Baker Mayfield – Right Thumb – Full

A’Shawn Robinson – Rest – Limited

Josiah Trotter – Illness – Full

Antoine Winfield Jr. – Rib – Full

Falcons Thursday Injury Report

Billy Bowman Jr. – Hamstring – Limited

Beaux Collins – Hip – Full

Kendal Daniels – Achilles – Limited

Divine Deablo – Forearm – Limited

Samson Ebukam – Hamstring – Limited

C.J. Henderson – Groin – Limited

LaCale London – Chest – Limited

Brian Robinson – Hamstring – DNP

Za’Darius Smith – Rest – Limited

Charles Snowden – Back – Limited

Jawaan Taylor – Hamstring – Limited

A.J. Terrell Jr. – Groin – Limited

Avieon Terrell – Illness – Limited

Cam Thomas – Groin – Limited

Cameron Williams – Ankle – Full

Olamide Zaccheaus – Shoulder – Limited