Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans was limited in practice this week, but he does not carry an injury designation for Thursday night's showdown with the Baltimore Ravens.
It's a great sign for the Bucs, who desperately need to turn things around on offense this season. Evans' presence should open things up on the outside for Tom Brady. Tampa Bay had several players limited in practice this week, but it appears Evans' limited tags were just maintenance to allow him to play in this game.
Today’s #Bucs injury report. Julio Jones was a limited practice participant. pic.twitter.com/YEeS08Lg88
— Joey Knight (@TBTimes_Bulls) October 25, 2022
Evans was in a bit of hot water this week as well after a video surfaced of him writing something for an official following the team's loss to the Carolina Panthers.
The NFL is reviewing the incident involving side judge Jeff Lamberth and line judge Tripp Sutter, I’m told.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 24, 2022
The NFL-NFLRA CBA specifically says game officials “shall not… ask players, coaches or any other team personnel for autographs or memorabilia.” pic.twitter.com/2suFfK3MWL
However, Evans and the official have been adamant that they were merely exchanging phone numbers as Evans was hoping to get golf lessons from someone the official knew.
The wide receiver confirmed that story on Tuesday, and for now it appears he won't face any discipline from the league.
Straight from Mike Evans’ mouth: The official did NOT ask for an autograph. “We we’re just talking about golf.” #Bucs
— Joey Knight (@TBTimes_Bulls) October 25, 2022
The Buccaneers are surprisingly favored against the Ravens despite their recent struggles on offense. Tampa Bay scored just three points in Week 7 and comes into this game on a two-game losing streak.
Best Mike Evans Prop Bets vs. Ravens in NFL Week 8
Since Evans doesn't carry an injury designation, we know he's going to be in the lineup and likely playing a full complement of snaps. That's a good sign for his chances of catching a touchdown, as he already has three on the season.
Evans is clearly Brady's favorite target in the red zone, and with Cameron Brate out of this game, the Buccaneers lack big bodies to target for jump balls.
Coming off a game where he saw a season-high in targets (15) and receptions (nine), I think Evans is a solid player to trust in props for this Thursday night matchup.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.