As it stands De Luca will not take to the field again for Edinburgh this campaign after the incident in their 24-7 loss to Ospreys and will not be able to help them end their seven-game league losing run.
Edinburgh coach Michael Bradley could decide to appeal against the length of the ban but Atiga - De Luca's regular centre partner - sees the 29-year-old as a big cog in their match preparations.
"Nick is an integral part of the team, a leader," said Atiga, who played in Edinburgh's 14-13 defeat to Scarlets on Friday evening.
"His voice means a lot to this side and he wants to be playing any role he can regardless. He brings a lot of voice?to the team and a lot of?good ideas.
"One way or another he is always going to be with us."
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