The Tampa Bay Buccaneers received encouraging news Thursday as wide receiver Emeka Egbuka returned to full practice, while outside linebacker Yaya Diaby and left tackle Tristan Wirfs did not participate ahead of Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the Chicago Bears.
According to the Buccaneers' official injury report, Egbuka returned to full practice after missing Wednesday with a foot injury. The second-year receiver has missed Tampa Bay's last two games, making his return a positive development for an offense that has totaled just 64 passing yards during that stretch.
Diaby missed practice for the second consecutive day with a knee injury suffered against Atlanta in Week 8. He played just seven defensive snaps before exiting the game. NFL Network
previously reported that Diaby suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain, putting his availability against Chicago in doubt.
Wirfs was another notable absence Thursday, appearing on the report with a toe injury after not being listed Wednesday. His participation Friday will be worth monitoring ahead of Tampa Bay's matchup with Chicago's defensive front.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield practiced fully for the second consecutive day despite his right thumb injury. Running back Kenneth Gainwell improved from limited to full participation with a hip injury, while safety Tykee Smith remained limited with an ankle injury.
Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving did not practice because of veteran rest days. Defensive lineman Elijah Roberts returned to full participation after missing Wednesday for personal reasons.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 9 injury report
Chicago Bears Week 9 injury report
Chicago also has a few players dealing with injuries, including running back Kyle Monangai, who has missed consecutive practices with thumb and toe injuries. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and offensive tackle Theo Benedet improved to limited participation Thursday after missing Wednesday.
DNP = Did not participate. Full = Full participation. Limited = Limited participation. A dash indicates the player was not listed that day. Chicago held a walkthrough Wednesday, so its participation report is an estimate.
Tampa Bay will release its final injury report Friday, including official game designations for Sunday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff at Soldier Field.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Buccaneers Week 9 injury report: Egbuka returns to full practice
