### Mike Evans' Status Uncertain for Monday Night Clash Against Ravens

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' star wide receiver Mike Evans is currently a game-time decision for the upcoming Monday night encounter with the Baltimore Ravens, according to head coach Todd Bowles. Evans, who has been grappling with a hamstring injury, was absent from practices on Thursday and Friday but managed to participate partially in Saturday’s session. Coach Bowles indicated that Evans' progress in Saturday's practice was promising but his availability for the game remains uncertain, classifying him as "questionable" for Monday.

Evans' hamstring issue has been described by Bowles as a lingering problem rather than a sudden injury. Evans initially tweaked his hamstring in last week's game against the New Orleans Saints. In his ten-season career, Evans has proven to be reliable, missing only nine games, eight due to injury or illness. This season, he has made significant contributions, becoming the franchise's all-time leading scorer and tying for the league lead in receiving touchdowns with five, alongside teammates Chris Godwin, Allen Lazard, Ja'Marr Chase, and George Kittle.

Meanwhile, progress has been seen in other injured players. Starting center and 2024 first-round draft pick Graham Barton, who also missed the previous game due to a hamstring issue, is likely to play on Monday after showing improvement this week despite being limited in practice on Thursday and Friday. Additionally, second-year wide receiver Trey Palmer, who has been sidelined for two games because of a concussion, will be returning to action, having fully participated in Friday’s practice without any setbacks.

However, the Buccaneers will have to face the Ravens without some key players. Starting cornerback Jamel Dean, also dealing with a hamstring injury from the Saints game, will be out. This paves the way for rookie cornerback Tyrek Funderburk to step in, as he did last week, along with support from second-year cornerback Josh Hayes. Bowles expressed confidence in Funderburk’s readiness, noting that the experience from the previous game would help him perform better.

Other players who will not be available for the game include wide receiver Kameron Johnson, nursing an ankle injury, and tight end Payne Durham, who is sidelined with a calf injury. As the Buccaneers prepare for their critical matchup against the Ravens, the team hopes to see some of their key players return to contribute to the game.