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COVID continues to run rampant across the NFL as every team is dealing with issues of this pandemic. However, the change in COVID protocols has allowed vaccinated and unvaccinated players to return to the field in five days instead of ten. This has allowed many players to get placed on the COVID list and be able to return the same week.
This is exactly what Mike Evans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are dealing with. Evans was placed on the COVID list on December 27th which put his availability for Week 17 and the fantasy football championships in doubt.
Is Mike Evans going to play this week? If not, who is his replacement? Let's jump into it.
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Is Mike Evans Playing This Week Against The Jets?
Mike Evans was limited in Friday's practice with his hamstring injury and is listed as questionable to play in Week 17 against the New York Jets.
Evans came off the COVID-19 list on Friday and could return after missing the Week 16 win over the Carolina Panthers. f Evans plays, he'll be at risk of seeing his snaps dialed back and will be a volatile WR2, especially if Brown is active, too. This is an update to the previous news and reports from earlier in the week which are below.
Mike Evans Injury Updates
Mike Evans injured his hamstring in Week 15, and missed last week's game as well. Earlier this week he was placed on the COVID list early in the week. However, some good news was announced early Thursday, and he has a chance to play in Week 17 against the Jets:
The "easily fatigued" aspect is worrisome if COVID truly affected Evans' stamina. The lack of stamina could put Evans on the sideline more than he would typically be. Keep an eye on the news as the week goes on to see if Evans will recover his full stamina before Sunday.
Is Mike Evans Starting In Week 17 Against the Jets?
The expectation should be that Mike Evans will get the start in Week 17. He has cleared the COVID protocol and assuming the Bucs have no physical concerns then he should be available.
That said, this is a game the Bucs should win handily regardless of Evans' presence on the field. It would make a ton of sense for the Bucs to limit Evans' reps as they handily beat the Jets. That should be a concern for daily fantasy leagues.
Should I Start Mike Evans in Week 17 Against the Jets?
There are a lot of variables with the decision on whether or not to start Mike Evans this week. On one hand, the Jets represent the worst pass defense DVOA in the NFL, and Evans has been an extremely valuable receiver throughout the fantasy season. On the other hand, this is clearly an opportunity to limit Evans' reps and prepare him for the playoffs while his team dismantles the Jets with relative ease.
This would leave Antonio Brown as the clear No. 1 wide receiver for the Bucs in an elite matchup against a porous Jets pass defense. It would also elevate Tyler Johnson to wide receiver No. 2 where he would be very valuable as a daily fantasy selection. Watch the news for the remainder of this week, and be sure to check back for more updates.
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