The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are ready to host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Wide receiver Mike Evans might not be 100 percent ahead of that matchup.
Evans was unable to practice on Friday due to an illness. According to Greg Auman of TheAthletic.com, head coach Bruce Arians does not expect it to affect his status for Week 1:
Bucs have finished their practices for the week — Arians said only players out are QB Blaine Gabbert and S Justin Evans. WR Mike Evans was held out today with illness, but Arians is hopeful it won't impact him for Sunday.
It is encouraging to see that Evans is not expected to miss any time with the illness. Regardless, it may be something to monitor throughout the course of their showdown with the 49ers.
The Bucs ushered in some significant changes this offseason. Among the notable issues was the turnover they experienced in their receiving corps with the departure of DeSean Jackson and Adam Humphries. They will need Evans to be at 100 percent if they hope to get the season started off on the right foot.
The 26-year-old has thrived in his role as the clear-cut No. 1 option in the passing game. The onus will now fall on Arians to kick things up a notch around him with quarterback Jameis Winston and the other wideouts.
Although Evans is dealing with sickness, he is still slated to see a healthy dosage of targets. The two-time Pro Bowler could be poised for a big game against this against a thin 49ers secondary.
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