Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) gives his touchdown ball to a fan during a game against the New York Jets in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' receiver room looks a lot like your local doctor's office.

Mike Evans is battling his way back after suffering a hamstring strain in Week 3 against the New York Jets. Emeka Egbuka is hoping to return after a hamstring strain forced him out of the team's Week 6 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Chris Godwin's return was short-lived as he was, once again, ruled out.

It's a tall task for a team to continue competing with so many big injuries, but Tampa keeps finding a way. They are 5-1 and sitting in a familiar spot atop the NFC South standings.

They'll look to maintain a perfect road record when they visit the Detroit Lions on "Monday Night Football" in Week 7, but it remains to be seen which players will be in uniform.

It seems Evans' discharge paperwork is almost ready, but it'll come down to the wire. Here's what to know about Evans' availability for Monday night.

Is Mike Evans playing today?

Evans is officially active for Monday's game against the Lions. He had been considered "likely to play," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, so his playing isn't a major surprise.

The receiver has missed the last three games with a hamstring strain that he suffered in Week 3. Evans returned to practice with a limited session to open the week on Thursday. He was downgraded to a non-participant on Friday, but returned in a full capacity on Saturday.

With the Buccaneers playing on Monday, it gave him an extra day to get ready and that could make the difference.

Evans has a history of hamstring injuries, which also cost him three games in the 2024 season. It would be a big boost to Baker Mayfield's passing attack if the big body receiver can get back into the lineup.

Buccaneers WR depth chart

  • Mike Evans
  • Emeka Egbuka
  • Chris Godwin (injured)
  • Sterling Shepard
  • Tez Johnson
  • Ryan Miller
  • Kameron Johnson

Tampa's depth chart could be the healthiest it has been in weeks or resemble the complete opposite. Evans and Egbuka both enter as questionable for Monday night's game, which will ultimately represent a big swing one way or another.

Depth has been tested all season long for the Buccaneers, but they would much rather their depth not be forced into prominent roles on offense.

If Evans, Egbuka or both suit up, it's a game-changer for an offense that is facing a depleted Lions' secondary in Week 7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Mike Evans playing today? Latest on Buccaneers WR status ahead of Week 7

Reporting by Nick Brinkerhoff, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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