The Tampa Bay Buccaneers began the year very poorly, going 1-5 heading into Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers. There was a bit more worry, with wide receiver Emeka Egbuka set to miss time due to a concussion.

However, the Buccaneers blew out the Panthers, and now, heading into Week 8, they still have a real chance to win the division. But for the second straight week, Egbuka has been ruled out by the Buccaneers.

What makes this decision from Tampa Bay so notable is that Egbuka, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports, has cleared concussion protocol. So, why is he out for Week 8, despite clearing concussion protocol? Unfortunately, he has a different injury issue.

Why Emeka Egbuka was ruled out by Buccaneers for Week 8

"Todd Bowles says Emeka Egbuka has cleared concussion protocol but will miss Sunday due to his foot injury," Auman reports.

Egbuka has been on the injury report the past two weeks with two injury issues: a concussion and a foot injury.

He missed last week due to not clearing concussion protocol in time, but for Week 8, he cleared the protocol and would be good to go. That is, if he didn't have a foot injury.

It's now the second week in a row that the Buccaneers will have a diminished offense, and this time, it's not due to a concussion.

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Egbuka's foot injury is keeping him out for the Week 8 matchup, which doesn't exactly bode well for his status going forward. He could return to action next week, but there's enough concern here that his practice status will be worth paying close attention to.

This timing is not great for the Buccaneers, as Baker Mayfield is finally back from a lengthy injury issue, and the team seemingly finally has a bit of momentum to try and get a few more wins before their Week 10 bye.

Facing the Atlanta Falcons, sitting at 3-4, this is a huge week for the Buccaneers. If they win, they'll be 3-5, tied with the Falcons for second place in the division, and only a half-game back of the Panthers for the division lead.

The Buccaneers will need to rely on their running game, Chris Godwin, Tez Johnson, and Ted Hurst in this pivotal Week 8 matchup as Egbuka is out once again, this time not due to a concussion but instead a foot injury.

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