Mike Evans didn't participate in practice on Friday.
And on the surface, that could be concerning for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' wide receiver. He was out there Thursday, after all. But it's all part of the plan.
The Bucs don't play until Monday Night Football against the Detroit Lions in Week 7, and the Buccaneers are ensuring Evans can be out there.
The superstar wide receiver has missed three games with his hamstring injury. He's not planning to miss a fourth.
"Bucs receiver Mike Evans did not practice today, but that’s part of his weekly routine and doesn’t represent any kind of setback with his hamstring. Still tracking well for Monday," writes beat reporter Greg Auman.
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The Buccaneers need Evans. They'll be without Chris Godwin, and Emeka Egbuka is hurting, too.
Tampa Bay hasn't been able to last long with its big three of wide receivers healthy at once.
Evans has personal milestone reasons that it wouldn't hurt to get back on the field, too.
He's had 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to begin his career. That's the record to start a career, and it's also tied for a streak at any point of a career with Jerry Rice, who had 11 in a row midway through his career.
Evans only has 140 receiving yards so far this season. He's got 11 games to get 860 more yards.
That'd be tough, but Evans is one of the best receivers of this generation. And Baker Mayfield sure doesn't mind slinging it.
Especially with the other guys injured, it looks like it's Evans' time to shine.
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