They will both take the field as the Bucs — currently No. 1 in the NFC — try to further distance themselves from Detroit, last season’s top team in the conference.
Evans returns to the lineup with 14 carries for 140 yards and a touchdown on the season, while Ebguka looks to build on his 27-469-5 stat line, 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 is still out with a hamstring injury, which means the team’s great trio at WR has yet to take the field together at the end of October.
Regardless, overcoming gaps on the team has been the story of the Bucs’ season so far. Baker Mayfield has repeatedly tapped 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, along with defensive end Brian Branch serving a one-game suspension.
The Bucs will attack those still standing for the Lions with Evans, Ebguka and other pass rushers like Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson and Cade Otton.
Tampa Bay (5-1) and Detroit (4-2) meet at 7:00 PM ET on Monday in a matchup that could prove pivotal for NFC seeding down the line.