Team news: Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Page 39

According to Rick Stroud on Twitter, Tampa Bay Buccaneers superstar wide receiver Mike Evans will play against the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football.

Mike Evans being active is huge news for Tom Brady and the Buccaneers offense. Evans is our 13th ranked receiver for Week 5 and should be leaned on heavily on all levels with both Chris Godwin and Justin Watson ruled out.

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.

The Buccaneers ruled wide receiver Chris Godwin out for Thursday's game against the Bears due to his hamstring injury.

Godwin is nearing a return to action but never had much of a chance to play in Week 5 simply because Tampa Bay is playing in the Thursday night game. Reports suggest Godwin has a solid chance at returning for Week 6 when the Bucs will take on the Packers.

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.