The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be sitting pretty at 5-1, but their biggest challenge is staying healthy. As they prepare for Monday Night Football against the Detroit Lions, their wide receiver depth is taking a hit. Still, there’s a glimmer of hope amidst the injuries.

Head coach Todd Bowles shared on Thursday that rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka has a strained hamstring, which means he’s out for sometime. This is a tough break for a group that’s already missing Chris Godwin, who’s dealing with a fibula injury. With so few healthy targets, Baker Mayfield is once again relying on the team’s depth. On a brighter note, Mike Evans has returned to practice for the first time since Week 3.

The veteran wide receiver has been sidelined for three games due to a hamstring issue, but Bowles mentioned that his limited participation is a positive sign. “He was limited. He did some things very well. We’ve just got to monitor it throughout the week,” Bowles said. “But just to see him in a helmet right now, coming out there in a jersey and doing some of the things that he’s doing is very encouraging for us.”Evans’s return couldn’t come at a more crucial time.

With both Godwin and Egbuka out, having him back would provide Mayfield with a reliable target against the Lions team, who are looking to bounce back from their Week 6 loss to Kansas City. As for right tackle Luke Goedeke, Bowles noted that there’s no clear timeline for his recovery, but he reassured fans that he should be back later this season. Tampa Bay has managed to keep winning despite the injuries, but it would be a lot harder to maintain that success without Evans.

As game draws near, the Bucs are laser-focused: they need to get their star receiver ready and keep the offense running smoothly. Evans’s comeback could be the key to whether Tampa Bay stays at the top of the NFC or starts feeling the strain of its injuries.

Bucs will face a tough test against the Lions

With several key players out of action, the Bucs’ offense needs to get creative to keep things moving and give Baker Mayfield a shot at success under the bright lights.

First things first: keeping Mayfield protected is crucial. Detroit’s defensive line, led by Aidan Hutchinson, is known for wreaking havoc in the backfield. Tampa Bay will need to adjust its protection strategies, incorporating chip blocks from tight ends and running backs to help fend off the pressure. The key would be to look for quicker decision-making, rollout passes, and shorter drops to minimize the heat.

Next, the ground game becomes non-negotiable. With Bucky Irving still recovering, Rachaad White will carry the load. The Lions’ run defense is among the best, but abandoning the run would play into their hands. Tampa Bay must use misdirection, counters, and jet sweeps, not for big gains, but to set up play-action and slow Detroit’s rush.

Passing efficiency will be the name of the game. With several receivers sidelined, Mayfield will have to focus on quick, high-percentage throws. Tight end Cade Otton and running backs coming out of the backfield could serve as his reliable options. Pre-snap motion and creative formations will be vital, too.

Finally, the Bucs must control tempo and avoid mistakes. No unnecessary sacks, no turnovers. Sustaining drives and managing the clock will be key to keeping Detroit’s offense on the sideline.

If Tampa Bay can stay disciplined and protect its quarterback, it might just turn adversity into opportunity on Monday night.