Multiple Buccaneers Playing Status up in the Air Against Lions
The Buccaneers have a tough NFC matchup against the 4-1 Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday.
Star receiver Mike Evans exited the Bucs last game against the Saints due to a hamstring injury and did not return.
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There is optimism with the Buccaneers bye happening last week that he could return on Sunday. But on Wednesday Evans was not seen in the portion of practice available to the media.
Head Coach Todd Bowles addressed the media and noted that the team will have a better idea of his status as the week progresses, and will specifically be looking at Friday's practice.
2023 First-Round Pick Calijah Kancey has been out of the Buccaneers lineup since Week 1 when he exited the game with a calf injury that flared up and caused him to miss the pre-season.
Now with some time off and the Buccaneers bye, there is more optimism that he will return against the Detroit Lions as he was seen at practice on Wednesday.
Safety Ryan Neal exited the Saints game with a concussion and did not return to the game. Jamel Dean did not play against the Saints due to what the Buccaneers listed as a shoulder/neck injury.
We will be monitoring both of their status throughout the week. Dean was seen with Carlton Davis at practice on Wednesday warming up:
In Dean and Neal's place, Zyon McCollum and Dee Delaney stepped in and were able to hold off the Saints in Week 4. But dealing with the Lions offense will be a bigger challenge and the Buccaneers will need all the healthy players they can get.
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Jamel Dean, Ryan Neal, Calijah Kancey, and Devin White have all been listed as full participants in Wednesday's practice, a good sign that they will all be available on Sunday.
Mike Evans did not participate, so his status is more up in the air but it was the team's expectation that he would not be practicing today. Luke Godeke is listed as limited with a calf injury, so that will be something to monitor throughout the week.
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