Mike Evans takes a giant step toward playing in the Bucs' Week 7 matchup vs. Lions

Evans' potential return couldn't come at a better time

By now, we've heard about the Bucs' injuries at receiver to the point where it's ad nauseam. Still, that shouldn't keep us from pointing out the fact that Baker Mayfield and the Bucs' passing attack will be thrilled if Evans can play against the Lions on Monday night.

Right now, Sterling Shepard is projected to be WR1, and while Shepard has shown up in clutch moments, it remains to be seen if he can carry the load. Tez Johnson is a rookie, and Kameron Johnson doesn't have a ton of experience, either.

Evans would immediately boost the Bucs' receiver corps and would be in a prime spot to have a big night against a banged-up Lions secondary that is already down three starters and could be down a fourth in All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph.

He'd take attention off Shepard and the others, maximizing their chances to make big plays, and with the way Mayfield is playing, it's almost guaranteed that said chances will come to if presented.

"He draws the double team," said Bowles. "It helps the run game, number one, because it keeps the safety out of the box, plus another corner out of the box. He's our go-to guy when he is healthy, obviously, and because of his size, his height, his intelligence, to adjust off the routes and everything else, and every little thing he does; it causes a problem for the other team, and it makes our other guys better."

On the flip side, Stroud reported Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., and Bucky Irving weren't practicing. Regardless, Evans and the rest still have to get through the rest of the week, but this is about as big a first step as he could take.