Buccaneers' Evans returns to practice ahead of Week 1

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans returned to practice Friday for the first time this week after battling a hamstring injury ahead of Sunday's season opener.

Here's a look at Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans testing his hamstring out today. You'll see him catch passes outside, then do some high knees, and some hip abduction work on the ground. pic.twitter.com/fwQirGcfxt

- JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) September 11, 2020

Evans' status for Tampa Bay's Week 1 tilt with the New Orleans Saints has not yet been determined, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine. There is optimism he'll be able to play, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians said Wednesday the star wideout was dealing with a soft tissue injury and would be a game-time decision. Evans' level of participation in practice won't be disclosed until an official injury report is released.

The 27-year-old is expected to be among Tom Brady's top targets if he suits up, alongside Chris Godwin and Rob Gronkowski.

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