Tom Brady is set to make his debut with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday and there's a good chance he's without one of his top weapons.
According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Mike Evans is doubtful to suit up versus the New Orleans Saints in Week 1.
Bucs WR Mike Evans is doubtful for Sunday’s game at New Orleans.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) September 11, 2020
Evans has been battling a hamstring injury and has been limited in practice in recent days because of it. And for fans of the Buccaneers, a hamstring injury for Evans is a bit concerning since that is the injury that held him out of the final three games of the season in 2019.
While Evans is doubtful to play, there is always the chance he improves health-wise in the days leading up to Sunday. However, seeing that it is Week 1 and the offseason was shortened, the Buccaneers likely won't take a chance to start Evans.
As a result of Evans probably being sidelined, Scotty Miller would likely get the nod as the No. 2 wideout in the offense. Miller has built a decent rapport with Brady in training camp, with Brady calling him a “trustworthy” player.
The absence of Evans definitely could have a negative impact on the offense in their season debut. At the least, Tampa Bay has plenty of weapons to fill in for him while he gets healthier.
A season ago, Evans posted 1,157 yards and eight touchdowns, making it six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career in the NFL. Randy Moss is the only other wide receiver in NFL history that's achieved that feat.
Given that, if Evans is unable to go on Sunday, then the Buccaneers will be without one of their key contributors on offense. Expect to see a heavy dosage of 12 personnel when Tampa Bay takes the field on Sunday against the Saints.
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