The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to make a statement against the New Orleans Saints in the 2020 NFL season opener. Unfortunately, it remains to be seen if they will be at full strength with wide receiver Mike Evans still absent from practice.

Head coach Bruce Arians says Evans will be a game-time decision for Week 1 while he continues to nurse a soft tissue injury, via NFL Update:

Tampa Bay has clearly opted to take a cautious approach with Mike Evans given the uncertain nature of his injury. Regardless, the prospect of him having to sit out of such a crucial NFC South matchup would certainly deal a critical blow to this offense.

Evans is coming off a sixth consecutive 1,000-yard campaign and was slated to serve as a stabilizing factor for quarterback Tom Brady in the passing game early on. Despite all the new additions to this star-studded offense, the three-time Pro Bowler is still one of the major focal points of Arians' downfield approach.

Regardless, having Mike Evans risk further injury against a formidable rival like the Saints could do more harm than good so early in the season. Given the Super Bowl expectations that have been set with Brady's arrival, the Bucs would much rather avoid any potential setbacks that could hinder him down the line.

If Evans sits out, the onus will fall on Chris Godwin to lead a receiving corps that includes Scotty Miller, Justin Watson, Tyler Johnson. It is safe to say that the crowded backfield and tight end groups could be tasked with picking up the slack on offense.