The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in good spirits ahead of their Week 14 game against the New Orleans Saints, and it's not because they are coming off a gritty 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
It's because the treatment room is beginning to empty.
This week saw receiver Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan finally hit the practice field, albeit initially in a limited capacity as the duo works back to full health. Having participated in a walkthrough earlier in the week, head coach Todd Bowles stated the next few days would be crucial in seeing how the pair responds.
But for Emeka Egbuka, just having both out on the field again was a big deal.
“It was amazing,” Egbuka said. “As a wide receiver unit, we're all pretty much best friends, in the locker room and in our receiver room. Just when whenever one of us is out, no matter who it is, we can all feel it. It hurts just as bad as the person who is out.
"So, when they're all back together, and we're all out there, it's just it's such a blast and such a blessing, a privilege and an honor just to be on this team with guys like those.”
More: Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield ready for star duo's return after positive injury update
Is Mike Evans going to play in Week 14?
I would say right now, it is a long shot.
Given how long Evans has been out for, he isn't likely in football shape, plus this was his first week getting on the practice field, so it won't be a quick session, and he's all good to go.
Granted, it might be, but a ramp-up period is likely going to happen, along with McMillan as well, who hasn't been sighted since preseason with a neck issue.
So, the Buccaneers are getting healthy at the right time, and yes, Evans and McMillan are still a little bit away from playing, but looking at Egbuka's reaction to the duo just being on the field, it's a positive time for Tampa Bay regardless.
More Buccaneers news:
- Will Mike Evans play in Week 14? Latest update on Bucs star WR
- Todd Bowles offers huge injury update for forgotten Buccaneers WR
- Todd Bowles has best response to Buccaneers' returning star duo vs. Cardinals
- Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield offers update on injured shoulder after Week 14 win