The Bucs had the status of wide receiver Mike Evans and cornerback Carlton Davis III still in question heading into their final practice on Thursday before playing the Washington Football Team in the Super Wild Card round.
Evans suffered a knee injury in Week 17 one play after he surpassed 1,000 yards on the season, putting him in the NFL record books as the only player to reach 1,000 receiving yards in the first seven years of their career. Davis had a groin injury in Week 15, forcing him to miss the following two weeks. Davis was listed as a limited participant in practice the day before on Wednesday, while Evans did not participate.
Evans and Davis were both on the field during the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday, and Bruce Arians gave an update on Tampa Bay’s key starters for their availability in what would be each of their first postseason games.
“I think he’s got a chance [to play],” Arians said of Evans playing. “He’ll be a game-time decision, he and Carlton [Davis III]. The only person out is Jeremiah Ledbetter.”
If Evans can’t go, Arians gave his support for the receivers that could fill in for Evans alongside Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown.
“We’ve got Scotty [Miller], we’ve got Tyler [Johnson], [Jaydon] Mickens,” Arians said. “We’ve got guys who have played all season. They’re not Mike, but they’ll be good enough.”
Should he be able play, Arians assured that Evans wouldn’t have any restrictions or limitations put on him in the offense.
“If he goes out there, he’s healthy,” Arians said. “We’re not putting him out there to limp on one leg. If he’s playing, he’s good to go.”
The Bucs travel to Washington for their playoff game taking place at 8:15 on Saturday night.