Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is showing signs of progress in his recovery, although his status for Sunday's Week 8 clash with the Atlanta Falcons remains up in the air.
Egbuka was a limited participant in Thursday's practice as he continued to work through the NFL's concussion protocol. One encouraging sign was his return to a regular practice jersey after previously wearing a non-contact one. The development suggests he is making progress, though he still needs medical clearance before returning to game action.
The rookie has been out since sustaining a concussion and a foot injury in the Buccaneers' Week 6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. During the fourth quarter, Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen delivered a hit that brought his shoulder into Egbuka's helmet as the receiver tried to make a play on an incomplete pass. The injuries forced him to sit out Tampa Bay's Week 7 win over the Carolina Panthers.
His return would give the Buccaneers another important option in their passing game. Before going down, Egbuka had caught 28 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns, making him a productive contributor to the team's receiving corps.
Article Continues BelowLuke Goedeke missed Thursday's practice with a calf injury, while Kenny Gainwell was limited by a hip issue. Yaya Diaby and Josiah Trotter returned to full participation, as did Baker Mayfield and Antoine Winfield Jr.
The Buccaneers will have to wait and see how Egbuka responds as they prepare to host Atlanta at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday. His return to a regular practice jersey is a positive step, but he must still progress through the concussion protocol and receive final medical clearance to suit up on Sunday.