They’ll both take the field as the Bucs — currently the NFC’s No. 1 seed — attempt to further distance themselves from Detroit, last season’s top-seeded team in the conference.
Evans returns to the lineup with 14 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown on the season, while Ebguka looks to build on a stat line of 27-469-5, numbers that have him front and center in the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation.
Tampa Bay still won’t be at full strength. Chris Godwin remains sidelined as he tends to a fibula injury, meaning the team’s terrific trio at WR has yet to take the field all together heading into late October.
Regardless, overcoming gaps in the lineup has been the story of the Bucs’ season thus far. Baker Mayfield has repeatedly clicked with any and every spare part available to keep the offense running like a top.
Evans and Egbuka returning should make that task even easier, as should Detroit’s depleted secondary; Safety Kerby Joseph (knee), cornerback Avonte Maddox (hamstring) and CB Terrion Arnold (shoulder) are all out, plus defensive back Brian Branch is serving a one-game suspension.
The Bucs will attack those still standing for the Lions with Evans, Ebguka and other pass catchers such as Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson and Cade Otton.
Tampa Bay (5-1) and Detroit (4-2) square off at 7 p.m. ET on Monday in a matchup that could prove pivotal to NFC seeding down the line.