“Optimism”
October 8th, 2020
“Please let me play.”
Of course with all the Bucs’ banged up receivers, all fans’ eyes turn to star Mike Evans.
The warrior receiver of the Bucs hurt his ankle badly against the Chargers halfway through the first quarter but toughed it out and racked up over 100 yards receiving and even caught a touchdown.
But Evans was hurting. After his TD grab, he barely walked to the Bucs’ bench. And this isn’t even factoring in his tender hamstring.
Evans is listed as “questionable” on the official injury report yesterday. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network stated this morning that Evans will be a game-time decision.
For tonight’s #Bucs–#Bears game, TB WRs Mike Evans (ankle) and Scott Miller (hip/groin) are listed as questionable & Miller is expected to play, I’m told. As for Evans, he’ll work out pre-game to test his ankle. There is optimism Evans can go, too, but the workout is key.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 8, 2020
Joe would bet Evans plays. He’s just that way. If he can walk, he will attempt to play. That’s his mindset.
Joe remembers earlier this year Evans was asked about being able to play because of his bum hamstring. He waved off the question and said that everybody plays hurt in the NFL.
Evans is maybe as tough of a football player as he is a talented receiver. He’s a throwback kind of guy.
October 8th, 2020 at 9:46 am
TYLER JOHNSON
that other Tampa Tyler Johnson is being traded out of here. It’s time for you to make that name for yourself.
October 8th, 2020 at 9:52 am
If evans is banged up, why not rest him. We will need him 100% down the stretch.
October 8th, 2020 at 9:53 am
And he’s a Buc!
October 8th, 2020 at 9:54 am
Hey Joe,
Why is everyone so down on Tyler Johnson? Tonight seems like his golden opportunity to step up but I don’t sense much fan optimism though many were pumped when we drafted him. Has he not looked good in training camp and practice?
October 8th, 2020 at 10:02 am
Natebucs
I certainly get the rest him idea. However if he can go I’d be tempted to start him and use his ability to demand coverage that frees up other targets. He can basically play decoy and not stress the ankle or the hammy.
In addition if he babies it through the game and just plays decoy if it gets to crunch time and we positively absolutely have to have a catch he can try and make a play late in the game.
October 8th, 2020 at 10:02 am
King Kong Evans is playing
October 8th, 2020 at 10:03 am
You think evans wants to let the GOAT down
Especially only having 2 runningbacks
October 8th, 2020 at 10:08 am
Resting Evans would be a great idea if Godwin & Watson could play…..they are out so we need Mike…
Let’s win….then rest him up for next game.
I agree, if he can walk, he will play.
October 8th, 2020 at 10:17 am
If Evans can’t go, I hope Tanner Hudson is active as he is a hybrid TE/WR type. Gronk will most likely get doubled if Evans is out so we need others to step up
October 8th, 2020 at 10:27 am
The defense needs to step up tonight. Especially with how many people we have hurt on the offense.
October 8th, 2020 at 10:28 am
he’ll play….
GO BUCS!!!!
October 8th, 2020 at 10:35 am
Joe doesn’t know of anyone who is “down” on Tyler Johnson. He’s a rookie that was injured most of training camp and was very much behind the eight-ball as a result. That’s not a knock on the guy. Ke’Shawn Vaughn was the same way.
He’s played some, but hasn’t done much yet. Most reasonable people understand a third day draft pick with a very limited training camp isn’t expected to be Randy Moss right off the bat.
October 8th, 2020 at 11:07 am
Let’s just get out of here with a win at this point. I’m fine with winning a 17-13 type game. First time in my life I’m excited to not have a bucs game for 10 days. Really want Evans/scooter/Watson/Fournette to get 100%. More rest for Godwin, and then REALLY start to put it together when Green Bay comes to town and put the world on notice
October 8th, 2020 at 11:08 am
Thanks Joe,
Didn’t realize he was injured during camp. Lets hope he shines tonight!!!
Go Bucs
October 8th, 2020 at 11:14 am
Mike Evans will go down as THE greatest Tampa Bay Buc ever. He reminds me of Lee Roy Selmon, Sapp and D Brooks who both played at elite levels for terrible teams but they kept fighting and playing like winners. Evans is an elite NFL player on and off the field. He is the same as Selmon in Brooks off the field and hopefully the bucs progress to the playoffs so the nation can see what Bucs fans have had the pleasure to watch these past 6 years. Tahhmy is learning how Johnny football got that Heisman down in Texas.
October 8th, 2020 at 11:27 am
Evans is truly a warrior, and once his career is over will be remembered along with the likes of Giles, Alstott and Dunn. Several HOF players on the defensive side of the ball but no skill players on the offensive side that played their whole career in TB. He could be the first.
October 8th, 2020 at 11:38 am
I’d like to see Tyler Johnson getting into the mix more tonight.
It is interesting that the two positions of greatest depth going into the season are now the two thinnest positions.
In the NFL, you just never know…
October 8th, 2020 at 11:56 am
I could see Tyler Hudson having a big night.
The guy has a way of finding his way to get open.
October 8th, 2020 at 12:23 pm
Like JPP, why not play him on just key plays … like 3rd downs.
October 8th, 2020 at 6:42 pm
The best receiver in the game is old school tough and not a diva? Yup. Licht struck gold with this dude and Mike is easily the best offensive player that we have ever drafted.