Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans’ availability for Monday night’s game against the Baltimore Ravens is unclear.
Head coach Todd Bowles stated that Evans will be evaluated before the game due to a hamstring injury. After missing practice on Thursday and Friday, Evans was able to take part in limited activities on Saturday.
Bowles is hopeful about Evans’ recovery but noted that the next couple of days will be crucial in deciding if he can play, marking him as questionable for the matchup
Evans has been dealing with his hamstring injury for a while, as Bowles pointed out. The Pro Bowl receiver worsened the injury during last week’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Over his 10-year career, Evans has demonstrated great durability, missing only nine games, primarily due to injury or illness. Even with this setback, he has had a strong season, breaking the franchise record for career points and tying for the NFL lead in receiving touchdowns with five.
In other injury news, starting center Graham Barton, the team’s first-round pick in 2024, is anticipated to be back on the field Monday night after being limited in practice. Barton missed last week’s game against the Saints due to a hamstring issue, but Bowles mentioned that his progress has been promising enough for him to return. Wide receiver Trey Palmer, who has been sidelined for the last two games due to a concussion, is also expected to play again after fully participating in Friday’s practice.
On the downside, the Buccaneers will be without starting cornerback Jamel Dean, who sustained a hamstring injury during the game against the Saints. In his absence, rookie Tyrek Funderburk and second-year cornerback Josh Hayes are likely to share responsibilities in the secondary. Bowles noted that Funderburk, who missed the preseason, showed positive signs in his debut last week and is expected to play more confidently after gaining that experience.
Other unavailable players include wide receiver Kameron Johnson, who is out with an ankle injury, and tight end Payne Durham, who is sidelined due to a calf issue. The Buccaneers will have to depend on their depth, with younger players taking on significant responsibilities as they gear up for a challenging game against the Ravens with several starters missing.
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