After a disappointing loss in overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bucs officially sit at the bottom of the NFC South. With two divisional opponents up next on the Bucs schedule, winning these games is an absolute must. Luckily for Tampa Bay, some key pieces may be returning to the lineup.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. Sporting a white glove on the affected hand, Mayfield was seen practicing ball-security drills and throwing a decent amount. Getting back their star quarterback right before two big games could put Tampa Bay in a prime position to win back their season.

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

Additionally, Antoine Winfield Jr. was limited at practice today after being kept out of Week 5 and Week 6. The veteran safety plays a huge role on the Bucs defense and would be a great piece to have available, especially going against Carolina Panthers deep-threat, Tetairoa McMillan. Of course, things aren’t all sunshine for the Bucs.

Sickness seems to have struck as running back Bucky Irving and cornerback Zyon McCollum were both kept out of Wednesday’s practice due to illness. Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey is also battling illness and was limited in practice today. Punter, Riley Dixon and kicker Chase McLaughlin were also affected, but participated in full. It is likely that this is just a minor ailment that won’t keep anyone out of Week 7’s game.

With seven receptions and a touchdown in last week’s overtime loss, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka was finally able to get hot after a slow start to the season. Egbuka did not participate in Wednesday’s practice due to a concussion and foot injury. Zac Robinson’s offense has already been struggling to find their rhythm within the pass game and now one of their most crucial pieces is injured. If Egbuka does not clear concussion protocol by the end of the week, this offense might be right back where they started.

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

Right tackle Luke Goedeke is dealing with a calf injury and was also kept out of practice today. The offensive line was called on a season-high 7 penalties during Week 5’s game against the Cowboys and were able to lower that to just one penalty against the Steelers in Week 6. If Goedeke is unable to play, Justin Skule will likely start in his place.

Even though things seem grim, winning these two games really could change the trajectory of the season.

Here is the full injury report for Tampa Bay and Carolina to start off the week.

Bucs Wednesday Injury Report

Riley Dixon – Illness – Full

Emeka Egbuka – Concussion/Foot – DNP

Luke Goedeke – Calf – DNP

Bucky Irving – Illness – DNP

Calijah Kancey – Illness – Limited

Cody Mauch – Wrist – Full

Baker Mayfield – Right Thumb – Full

Zyon McCollum – Illness – DNP

Bucs CBs Jacob Parrish, Zyon McCollum and S Ifeatu Melifonwu – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

Chase McLaughlin – Illness – Full

Benjamin Morrison – Quad – Full

Christian Rozeboom – Finger – DNP

David Sills V – Hamstring – Full

Josiah Trotter – Shoulder – Full

Sean Tucker – Quad – Full

Vita Vea – Rest – Limited

Antoine Winfield Jr. – Rib – Limited

Panthers Wednesday Injury Report

A.J. Dillon – Ankle – Full

Monroe Freeling – Knee – Full

Chuba Hubbard – Rest – DNP

Thomas Incoom – Calf – DNP

Devin Lloyd – Rest – DNP

Bam Martin-Scott – Hamstring – Full

Taylor Moton – Rest – DNP

Jaelan Phillips – Hamstring – DNP

Darren Waller – Rest – DNP

Bryce Young – Knee – Full