Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans, who has been classified as a playtime decision, will play Saturday’s NFC wildcard game against the Washington football team, coach Bruce Arians told Sal Paolantonio of ESPN.
The Bucs will also feature cornerback Carlton Davis for Saturday’s game, a source told ESPN. Davis has missed the last two games with a groin injury and had also been designated by Arians as a decision during the game.
Evans was barely able to put any weight on his left knee after bending back in the end zone during the first quarter of last Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. He was diagnosed with hyperextended left knee and an MRI revealed no structural damage.
Evans, who took 70 passes for 1,006 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, returned to practice Thursday as a limited participant for the first time since injury.
Arians blamed field conditions at Raymond James Stadium for Evans ’injury as the final area was small due to rain and the Outback Bowl had been played there the day before. Arians said they planned another wet field in Washington.
It will be the first playoff game in seven seasons for the three-time Pro Bowler, who was selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft. It is the Bucks’ first postseason appearance since 2007.
Evans is the first player in NFL history to record 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first seven seasons, breaking the tie with Randy Moss. Evans also broke his own franchise record in most touchdown catches in a single season with 13.
Davis led the NFL with 18 passes in 2019 and his 15 passes this year were tied for second in the league. He often shadows the opposing teams ’No. 1 wide receivers, keeping the Saints’ Michael Thomas three catches for 17 yards in Week 1.