Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is uncertain for Monday night’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, as head coach Todd Bowles announced that he will be a game-time decision due to a hamstring injury. Evans missed practice on Thursday and Friday but was able to participate in a limited capacity on Saturday. Bowles expressed optimism about Evans’ progress, stating that the next couple of days would determine whether he is ready to play, labeling him as questionable for the game.
Evans’ injury is not a new one, as Bowles revealed it has been nagging him for some time. The Pro Bowl receiver aggravated the hamstring during last week’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Throughout his 10-year career, Evans has been a durable player, missing only nine games, most of which were due to injury or illness. Despite the injury, Evans has had a productive season, setting the franchise record for career points and tying for the NFL lead in receiving touchdowns with five.
In other injury updates, starting center Graham Barton, the team’s first-round pick in 2024, is expected to return to action on Monday night after being limited in practice. Barton missed last week’s game against the Saints because of a hamstring issue, but Bowles said his progress has been promising enough for him to play. Wide receiver Trey Palmer, who missed the last two games with a concussion, is also set to return after participating fully in Friday’s practice.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers will be without starting cornerback Jamel Dean, who suffered a hamstring injury in the game against the Saints. In his absence, rookie Tyrek Funderburk and second-year cornerback Josh Hayes are expected to rotate in the secondary. Bowles commented that Funderburk, who had missed preseason, showed encouraging signs in his debut last week and is likely to play more confidently with a game under his belt.
Additional absences include wide receiver Kameron Johnson, who is out with an ankle injury, and tight end Payne Durham, sidelined due to a calf injury. The Buccaneers will need to rely on their depth, with young players stepping into key roles, as they prepare for a tough matchup against the Ravens with several starters unavailable.
