The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won't have Emeka Egbuka available for Sunday's NFC South showdown with the Atlanta Falcons.

Head coach Todd Bowles ruled out Egbuka for the Week 8 clash on Friday, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. The wide receiver cleared concussion protocol, but a foot injury will keep him sidelined.

Egbuka also missed last Sunday's 43-13 win over the Carolina Panthers, but the 2025 first-round pick returned to practice as a limited participant this week. Bowles told reporters that the 24-year-old was "never full speed" and is "still recovering" when asked if he had a setback on Thursday.

Egbuka instantly established himself as a top receiver in Tampa Bay's offense, recording 938 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie. He's started his 2026 campaign by catching 28 of 49 targets for 240 yards and two touchdowns in six games.

Baker Mayfield and Egbuka haven't played together since Week 3. The quarterback didn't feel his absence too severely in a Week 7 rout, throwing for 64 passing yards on just 11 attempts in a run-heavy blowout.

However, Tampa Bay may not be able to execute that same game plan against Atlanta's No. 4 rushing defense. The Falcons have also scored 155 points in five games started by Michael Penix Jr., so the Buccaneers may require another high-scoring afternoon to win the division matchup.

Despite starting 0-4, the 2-5 Buccaneers remain firmly in the NFC South mix. The Panthers are tied with the Falcons for first place at 3-4 following Thursday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers.

The Buccaneers at least got some good news heading into Sunday's game. Bowles said cornerback Antoine Winfield Jr. will return after missing the last three games with fractured ribs.