According to Ian Rapoport on Twitter, there is optimism that Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans will be able to suit up for Thursday Night Football against the Chicago Bears.

Mike Evans will test out his ankle during pre-game warmups at which point a decision on whether or not he will be active will be made. He appears to be trending in the right direction as there is optimism that he will be able to play. Evans will be sorely needed by an offense already down Chris Godwin, O.J. Howard, LeSean McCoy, and Justin Watson. Leonard Fournette is also listed as doubtful. Evans is our ninth ranked receiver for Week 5.

Bruce Arians isn't taking any chances with players who are dinged up heading into Thursday night's game at Chicago. He said Mike Evans (ankle), Chris Godwin (hamstring), Justin Watson (chest), and Scotty Miller (hip/groin) all did not practice today.

Godwin didn't play in Week 4 so there is some concern he may not be ready to go in Week 5 - that's worth keeping an eye on. However, Evans and Miller should have a better chance as of now, but continue to monitor into Wednesday.

Bucs WR Chris Godwin will not play Sunday against the Chargers, according to James Palmer of the NFL Network.

Related Players: Mike Evans, Scott Miller, Justin Watson

This was expected, but the loss is big as QB Tom Brady continues to get comfortable in a new offense. Scott Miller (hip) and Justin Watson stand to get more targets Sunday.

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (hamstring) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

Evans was limited and even doubtful to play at one point last week so it is not entirely surprising Evans is still being limited by his hamstring. He ultimately fought through the ailment and played only to catch a single pass for a touchdown in Week 1. Evans looks like he will play thorugh the injury again this week, and he could be set to explode in a generous matchup with Carolina and teammate Chris Godwin dealing with a concussion.

Bucs coach Bruce Arians, on his weekly radio show, says they should’ve moved Mike Evans around vs the Saints instead of keeping him outside.

The tweet went on to say Arians lamented only targeting Evans four times. The tweet also said Arians said he feels bad if Evans has less than 10 targets in any game. Evans had 1 catch for 4 yards in the game, that at least happened to be a touchdown. The Bucs take on the Panthers this week and Evans should be more involved. This at least indicates maybe Evans wasn't a decoy with a bum hamstring that at one point had him doubtful to play in Week 1.