The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in danger of not having two key offensive players for the Week 5 game against the Seattle Seahawks, as both wide receiver Mike Evans and running back Bucky Irving are banged-up.
Evans hasn't suited up since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 3 and is expected to miss three to four weeks. Irving sustained a foot injury in Week 4 and was in a walking boot and utilizing crutches to get around, which is a bad sign.
After neither one practiced on Wednesday, both Evans and Irving were not spotted at practice on Thursday, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. That puts both players on track to miss Sunday's contest.
On Wednesday, head coach Todd Bowles revealed that Irving would have to shed his boot by Friday in order to play. We would guess that would also have to be followed by some semblance of practice participation.
“Right now, it's a sprain they're taking a day-to-day,” Bowles said. “If he's not out of the boot by Friday, I’ll be more inclined to say he's probably not going to play."
Who is Bucky Irving's handcuff?
If Irving is forced to sit, fellow running back Rachaad White will be the next man up for the Bucs. We know that because White has operated as the Bucs' clear No. 2 running back this season and is listed as the RB2 on the depth chart.
Behind White, Sean Tucker will be the next man up.
How will Bucs replace Mike Evans?
At wide receiver, the Bucs finally got a reinforcement last week in the form of Chris Godwin, who only had three catches for 26 yards but should see more production as he continues to round into form following such a long layoff.
Rookie Emeka Egbuka has stepped up big time with Evans out. He posted a career-high 101 yards and found pay dirt against the Philadelphia Eagles and his career is off to one heck of a start overall.
Behind Egbuka and Godwin, veteran Sterling Shepard should operate as Tampa's WR3.
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