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Jenna Laine, ESPN Staff Writer
TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans will be a game-time decision for Monday night’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, coach Todd Bowles said Saturday.
Evans missed Thursday and Friday practices dealing with a hamstring injury but was able to do “some things” during Saturday’s practice, Bowles said.
“He did some things today that were encouraging,” Bowles said. “We’ll see how the next two days go and we’ll see how he feels. … He’s questionable right now.”
Evans, who became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer this season, is currently tied for a league-leading five receiving touchdowns, along with teammate Chris Godwin, Allen Lazard, Ja’Marr Chase and George Kittle.
Bowles said that starting center and 2024 first-round draft pick Graham Barton progressed enough this week despite being limited Thursday and Friday to play Monday night. Barton missed last week’s game against the New Orleans Saints with a hamstring injury.
Bowles also said that second year wide receiver Trey Palmer, who missed the last two games with a concussion “will be good” for Monday night after fully participating in Friday’s practice with no issues.
Starting cornerback Jamel Dean, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Saints, will be out, with rookie cornerback Tyrek Funderburk expected to step in once again as he did last week, as well as second year cornerback Josh Hayes.
“I thought he did some things for going out there the first time cause he missed preseason as well,” Bowles said of Funderburk. “With a game under his belt, he’ll be a little calmer, a little more confident – between him and Hayes, they’ll both get some time out there. We look forward to seeing them play.”
Wide receiver Kameron Johnson (ankle) and tight end Payne Durham (calf) will both be out.