The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got word this week that receiver Mike Evans is set for a stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
With the 3-0 Buccaneers facing the 3-0 Philadelphia Eagles, the offense is going to have to slay the defending champs without their Pro Bowl star, but in what is a somewhat lucky coincidence, Chris Godwin, who was a full participant at practice, could return.
Still, we aren't taking that as a given that Chris will play, which means the receiver room might look a little thin on Sunday. However, Baker Mayfield has delivered a pointed message to those who will now get an opportunity in Evans' absence - step up.
“Obviously, Mike's a guy that completely changes how teams play us,” Mayfield said. “He draws a lot of attention. So, everybody's got to step up, one person's not going to fill Mike's shoes, everybody's got to step up and do their role at a very high level, and execute against a good ball club.”
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What will Buccaneers' WR depth chart look like vs. Eagles?
With Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard, and Tez Johnson, that isn't a long list of weapons, so expect Egbuka to see a lot of attention from Baker and the Eagles' secondary.
This might be a game where tight end Cade Otton, who has been nearly invisible this season, gets some targets, so too running backs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White, because the Buccaneers will need all hands on deck if they are to keep their undefeated streak going, while ending Philadelphia's.
Godwin looms as the big watch here, and if he can play, great; that's another option for Mayfield. However, if not, it will be up to Egbuka to shoulder the load, along with the run game, which we think will be crucial, to get the Buccaneers to 4-0 on the season.
More Buccaneers news:
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- Buccaneers get brutal Mike Evans injury update ahead of Eagles clash
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