Bucs receiver Mike Evans' status upgraded to questionable

TAMPA — Mike Evans' hamstring strain is feeling better. So are the Bucs about his chances of playing.

Evans was upgraded from doubtful to questionable Saturday following the team’s final walk-through workout.

Evans missed three practices in preparation for Sunday’s season opener at New Orleans. He was limited to individual drills on Friday but apparently has shown improvement.

If Evans can play, it would be a huge boost for the Bucs and quarterback Tom Brady against the Saints.

Evans missed the final three games in 2019 with a hamstring pull. But coach Bruce Arians said Friday this was not related to that injury.

“Mike’s more of a twist on a route, it’s more of a minor one but it’s still bugging him,” Arians said.

Evans' status will still be a game-time decision. He will test it prior to Sunday’s 4:25 p.m. kickoff at the Superdome.

Just in case, the Bucs activated receiver Cyril Grayson and cornerback Mazzi Wilkins from the practice squad.

If Evans is unable to play, the Bucs will lean more on Justin Watson and Scotty Miller at receiver. Both are heavily involved on special teams, so Grayson and Wilkins could pick up some of those responsibilities.