TAMPA, Fla. — If Friday morning’s practice is any indication, the Bucs’ injury-besieged corps of receivers is getting a bit healthier.
Veterans Julio Jones (knee) and Mike Evans (calf), neither of whom participated in Thursday’s practice, were present Friday morning when the team hit the field at AdventHealth Training Center. Additionally, receiver Russell Gage (hamstring), who didn’t practice Wednesday and was a limited participant on Thursday, also was practicing.
All three were listed as questionable for Sunday’s game at New Orleans on the team’s final injury report Friday, along with tailback Leonard Fournette (hamstring), receiver Breshad Perriman (knee) and right tackle Tristan Wirfs (abdomen). All practiced in a limited capacity Friday and are expected to play against the Saints.
Ruled out is receiver Chris Godwin, who suffered a strained hamstring late in the first half of last weekend’s season opener against the Cowboys, his first game since Jan. 3 knee surgery. Left tackle Donovan Smith (hyperextended elbow) and rookie cornerback Zyon McCollum (hamstring) are listed as doubtful.
“Donovan will be close,” said Bowles, who has indicated veteran Josh Wells will start at left tackle if Smith can’t go. “It’ll be hard for him to make it, but we’ll see. The rest of the guys we’ll see on Sunday.”
Also not present Friday morning were linebacker Lavonte David and defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, both of whom were given a veteran’s maintenance day.
Bowles was non-committal when asked if he’d consider elevating a receiver from the practice squad. Even with Godwin out, the Bucs still have six on the active roster: Evans, Jones, Gage, Perriman, Scotty Miller and Jaelon Darden. Miller was inactive last Sunday.
“We’ll wait and see as time goes on,” Bowles said.
