TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is highly likely to play, while Emeka Egbuka “has a real chance” to be on the field for Monday night’s game against the Detroit Lions, according to sources close to the team. Both Evans and Egbuka will be last-minute decisions, according to coach Todd Bowles announced on Saturday. Evans, the Buccaneers’ all-time leading receiver, returned to practice this week after missing three games due to a hamstring strain suffered in Week 3 against the New York Jets. He participated in Thursday’s practice, had a day off on Friday, and returned to participate on Saturday.
In a surprising move, Egbuka practiced in a limited capacity on Saturday after missing Thursday and Friday due to a hamstring strain suffered in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers. He did not play in the second half of that game. He underwent an MRI on Wednesday to determine the severity of the strain. Sources close to the team indicated that the strain is considered mild.Draws a double coverage. Helps the running game, number one, because it keeps a safety out of the box plus another cornerback out of the box. Obviously, he’s our go-to player when he’s healthy. Because of his size, his height, his intelligence to adjust routes and everything else, every little thing he does causes a problem for the other team and improves our other players.
Todd Bowles
Sources previously reported that if Egbuka is unable to play against Detroit, he is expected to have the opportunity to play the following week against the New Orleans Saints. Bowles ruled out running back Bucky Irving, who is still dealing with a foot sprain and a shoulder subluxation, along with wide receiver Chris Godwin, who is dealing with a fibula injury. Running back Josh Williams was ruled out with a concussion, and right guard Luke Haggard, who has stepped in since Cody Mauch went on the injured reserve list, is out with a shoulder injury. The Buccaneers’ 30-19 victory over the 49ers last week brought them to a 5-1 record and first place in the NFC. The Lions’ 30-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs left them at 4-2 and second in the NFC North.It’s possible. It’s not definitive. It will be until game time. He wants to play, but that depends on how he feels and how he looks.
Todd Bowles
