There’s no denying Mike Evans is a surefire Hall of Famer, and while he’s dealt with injury this season, he still showed a penchant for earning targets through the first three weeks. While he hasn’t seen the field recently, the star wideout has a chance to return for a massive showdown between the Buccaneers and Lions in Week 7. Will Evans play on Monday Night Football, and if he does, what should fantasy football managers expect?
Analysis
Mike Evans’ susceptibility to soft-tissue injuries is no secret. Now in his 12th NFL campaign, the 32-year-old has missed plenty of time over his career due to various hamstring and quad issues, playing through lingering ailments at points as well. While a hamstring strain sidelined him in Week 3 and he missed three subsequent games, he appears to be trending in the right direction for Week 7’s primetime matchup. Evans returned to practice this week as a limited participant on Thursday, and while he didn’t practice on Friday, that session was a scheduled day off for the veteran. And per ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Saturday, he’s a game-time decision for Monday Night Football.
With that in mind, it seems Evans is tracking to play on Monday night against the Lions. With Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (fibula) both DNPs throughout the week and expected to miss time, the Buccaneers need as much help as they can get from pass catchers heading into this matchup. Evans’ return could come at the perfect time for the NFL franchise, but the same goes for fantasy football managers with him on their rosters. What can they expect from the star in Week 7 if he does indeed suit up?
With a notable lack of healthy options in the receiving game beyond tight end Cade Otton plus an uninspiring trio of Sterling Shepard, Kameron Johnson, and rookie Tez Johnson at receiver, Evans immediately steps in as the top target when on the field this week. He’s a proven-target earner and saw eight looks twice in three games with 11 targets in his other this year, so the veteran should see plenty of opportunities from Baker Mayfield. While Evans’ yardage totals of 51, 56 and 33 are rather unimpressive, he still wins on his routes and has the benefit of several weeks off to make sure his legs are fully under him. Plus, he’s an incredible threat in the red zone with 106 career touchdowns in 171 games. That won’t change here.
The opportunity for target share sets Evans up for success, but the matchup against Detroit’s secondary also brings more upside. This game profiles as a shootout to begin with thanks to a total of 52.5 points, second-highest of the Week 7 slate. However, the Lions fall 19th in total passing yards allowed and have conceded 13 passing touchdowns, 27th of 32 teams. Cornerback Terrion Arnold returned to practice Friday after missing last week’s game with a shoulder issue, but his status remains in question as well. The matchup looks good to begin with for the Buccaneers’ aerial attack, but even more so if Arnold winds up inactive.
