Normally, a Friday injury update provides a clear picture of who will or won’t be available that weekend. However, since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football in Week 7, this week’s Friday report essentially serves as Thursday’s equivalent. So, even though a few key veterans were absent from practice, there’s no reason for alarm just yet.
Star wide receiver Mike Evans, who returned to practice on Thursday for the first time since injuring his hamstring, was given the day off Friday for recovery purposes. It was part of a planned workload management routine as the 12th-year veteran nears a full return. Evans has missed the past three contests, but all signs suggest he’s on track to suit up soon.
“Having Mike back out there makes a huge difference for us,” said receiver Sterling Shepard. “We’re strongest when everyone’s healthy and contributing. We trust the young guys who’ve stepped up, but being at full strength is the goal.”
A clearer update on Evans’ availability should come after Saturday’s session and the following injury report.
Veteran linebacker Lavonte David is also being monitored closely. The 14-year pro has yet to practice this week while managing knee and rib issues. Still, the Bucs may just be exercising caution, especially since David played through a knee injury last week and wasn’t listed on the final report going into that game.
There was some encouraging news as well. Punter Riley Dixon was back on the field after missing Thursday’s practice for personal reasons, while cornerbacks Zyon McCollum (thumb) and Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) were full participants again — both positive developments ahead of facing Jared Goff and the Lions’ high-powered, second-ranked scoring offense.
McCollum gave an update on his thumb injury, explaining that he underwent surgery after tearing his UCL. “It feels great now,” he said. “I’ve been through this before, so I knew what to expect. I decided to get it fixed right away so I can play the rest of the year without issues.”
Still sidelined on Friday were receivers Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr., running backs Bucky Irving and Josh Williams, and guard Luke Haggard. On the bright side, Egbuka was spotted working individually with a trainer, suggesting his recovery is progressing.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Friday Injury Report
Lavonte David (Knee/Rib) – Did Not Participate
Emeka Egbuka (Hamstring) – Did Not Participate
Mike Evans (Hamstring) – Did Not Participate
Chris Godwin Jr. (Fibula) – Did Not Participate
Luke Haggard (Shoulder) – Did Not Participate
Bucky Irving (Foot/Shoulder) – Did Not Participate
Josh Williams (Concussion) – Did Not Participate
Riley Dixon (Personal) – Full Participation
Zyon McCollum (Thumb) – Full Participation
Benjamin Morrison (Hamstring) – Full Participation
Detroit Lions – Friday Injury Report
Kerby Joseph (Knee) – Did Not Participate
Avonte Maddox (Hamstring) – Did Not Participate
Sione Vaki (Groin) – Did Not Participate
Terrion Arnold (Shoulder) – Limited Participation
Taylor Decker (Shoulder) – Limited Participation
D.J. Reader (Back) – Limited Participation
Zach Cunningham (Hamstring) – Full Participation
Alim McNeill (Knee) – Full Participation
