The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sunk to a new low in Week 14, losing 24-20 to the New Orleans Saints, which drops Todd Bowles' team to 7-6 on the year and now puts their playoff hopes in serious danger.
With a short week as the Buccaneers face the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night, Tampa Bay needs all the help it can get as it looks to stop this horrific skid the team is currently on.
All eyes are on Mike Evans and tackle Tristan Wirfs, both of whom many believe are edging closer to a return.
But given it is a short week, could we expect the pair to suit up against Atlanta?
"It's a short week, but they didn't play yesterday," Bowles said. "So, we'll continue to work them in, and we'll see where we are on Wednesday."
More: Buccaneers' NFC South chances take huge hit in loss to Saints
Buccaneers playing cautious game with Evans
Having only returned to practice last week, there is no doubt Evans is making good progress from his broken collarbone, but the last thing Tampa Bay wants to do is to rush back their star receiver.
Yes, at 7-6, the season is in danger of slipping away, but we aren't sure if that means he coaching staff will rush back Evans.
Bowles stated that Evans, along with Wirfs, will be worked back into the fold this week, but given that the Buccaneers play on Thursday night, time is of the essence, and that might be what stops Mike and Tristan from playing in Week 15.
Of course, the duo could practice well and be good to go, but on a short week, that feels like a long shot, but this is the NFL, you never know how things will pan out.
More Buccaneers news:
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- Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving given $14K and $6K punishments by NFL after Buccaneers celebration
- Will Mike Evans play in Week 14? Latest injury updates on Buccaneers WR
- When is Mike Evans coming back? Injury update, return timeline for Buccaneers WR