Bucs injury update: The latest on Mike Evans and Donovan Smith

TAMPA — While quarterback Jameis Winston’s status for Sunday’s game in Detroit appears less in doubt, two other key offensive players could miss the Bucs’ next game.

Receiver Mike Evans, who left the Bucs’ 38-35 home win Sunday over the Colts in the first quarter with a pulled right hamstring, isn’t likely to play against the Lions following an MRI performed on the muscle.

Bucs coach Bruce Arians said he considered Evans “very doubtful” but held out hope that the receiver’s season isn’t over.

MORE BUCS: Bucs receiver Mike Evans expected to miss extended time

He said that Evans recovered quickly from the same injury during OTAs. Evans had left quad injury before the third preseason game, but played in the Bucs’ season opener two weeks later.

Arians said he doesn’t believe starting left tackle Donovan Smith will practice much this week following knee and ankle injuries that sidelined him some Sunday.

“Hopefully we can get him back out there Friday,” Arians said.

Smith left midway through the second quarter and briefly returned later in the game. His exit forced the reserve tackle Josh Wells into action, and he allowed a sack of Winston three plays later.

Evans and Smith are two of the team’s most durable players. Smith has started all 77 games since the Bucs drafted him in 2015. And Evans has started 60 of the Bucs’ last 61 games dating back to the beginning of the 2016 season and has missed just four games over his six-year career.

Arians said he was optimistic that the team would get right guard Alex Cappa back from a left elbow injury.

Contact Eduardo A. Encina at eencina@tampabay.com. Follow @EddieInTheYard.