The Tampa Bay Buccaneers absolutely have to beat the Carolina Panthers on the road in Week 7 if they want any chance of keeping their season alive.

The job just got a lot harder.

The Bucs released their final injury report of the week on Friday and have ruled three of their most important starters out for Sunday's matchup against the Panthers.

Tampa's top wide receiver, Emeka Egbuka, is out with both a concussion and a foot injury. Head coach Todd Bowles initially called Egbuka "doubtful" on Friday. Not long after, the team released the injury report with the 2025 first-round pick officially ruled out.

Egbuka leads the team with 28 catches for 240 yards and two receiving touchdowns. He also has a 14-yard rushing touchdown.

It hasn't been the breakout season many expected from Egbuka, who looked to build on a solid rookie season where he caught 63 passes for 938 yards and six scores. Egbuka has had a slow start to his sophomore season, like most of Tampa's offensive weapons, but his big game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5 helped the Bucs earn their only win of the season.

His absence on Sunday will be difficult for the offense to overcome, even with the return of starting quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Also out against Carolina is star safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who will be missing his third straight game with a rib injury.

There was at least some hope that Winfield might suit up after getting in three limited practices this week, but he will remain on the sidelines for at least one more game.

The Panthers boast a very explosive passing offense this season. Quarterback Bryce Young is playing the best football of his career, and second-year wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has enjoyed a terrific start to his season.

Through five games, McMillan has 32 catches for 471 yards and two touchdowns. He is tied for 10th in the NFL in receiving yards despite the Panthers already having their bye week.

Without Winfield as the last line of Tampa's defense, the burden falls on the rest of the secondary to step up this week.

Starting right tackle Luke Goedeke will also miss Tampa's all-important game with a calf injury suffered in Week 6.

Goedeke was unable to practice on either Wednesday or Thursday, but got in a limited session on Friday. Unfortunately, it was not enough to be ready to give it a go on Sunday. 

The offensive line has been one of Tampa's major disappointments this season, and now will have to overcome the loss of Goedeke in Week 7.

On a positive note, Mayfield will be returning after a three-game absence with a dislocated thumb. Cornerback Benjamin Morrison, who has also missed the last three weeks with a quad injury, will be back against Carolina.

Fortunately, the illness that was going around the locker room earlier in the week did not have any effect on any player's availability for Sunday.

The Panthers, meanwhile, will also be without a couple key players against Tampa.

Outside linebackers Jaelan Phillips (hamstring) and Thomas Incoom (calf) have been ruled out.

First-round rookie tackle Monroe Freeling (knee) and LB Bam Martin-Scott (hamstring) are both listed as questionable.