The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could get a major boost on offense Monday night. Wide receivers Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka are both trending in the right direction ahead of Monday Night Football against the Detroit Lions.
Though both are officially listed as game-time decisions with hamstring injuries, ESPN reports there’s “optimism in Tampa Bay that both can play.” Evans, sidelined since Week 3, returned to practice this week in a limited capacity, while Egbuka’s quick recovery has been one of the more encouraging developments of the Buccaneers’ season.
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Mik Evans’ Long-Awaited Return
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Evans’ potential return couldn’t come at a better time. The 32-year-old has missed three games since tweaking his hamstring against the New York Jets on Sept. 21. Through his first three outings, the veteran wideout logged 14 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown, maintaining his usual consistency as Tampa Bay’s top target.
Baker Mayfield made no secret of how much Evans means to the offense. “It’s a good safety blanket,” the quarterback told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. “It’s nice to see him out there.”
Buccaneers insider Greg Auman confirmed that Evans’ missed Friday practice was simply part of his routine: “That doesn’t represent any kind of setback with his hamstring,” Auman wrote on X. “Still tracking well for Monday.”
NFL insider Adam Schefter added further optimism Sunday: “Mike Evans is likely to play and Emeka Egbuka has a real chance to play despite suffering a low-grade hamstring strain.”
Egbuka’s Rise and the Stakes Ahead
Egbuka’s emergence in Evans’ absence has been one of the Buccaneers’ defining storylines. The rookie wideout has stepped into a primary role with Chris Godwin sidelined and has quickly entered the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation.
If both Evans and Egbuka suit up, they’ll challenge a Lions secondary that’s missing multiple starters. Tampa Bay, one of the NFC’s few five-win teams entering Week 7, needs its playmakers healthy to maintain momentum in a tightening division race.
Whether Evans’ return sparks another 1,000-yard campaign or simply stabilizes a battered lineup, his presence under the lights on Monday would be a welcome sight for a Buccaneers team still fighting to stay atop the NFC South.
