While the Buccaneers got some good news with Donovan Smith returning to practice today, wide receiver Mike Evans continued to be held out with a hamstring injury according to Greg Auman and several other beat writers. Evans suffered the injury in the team's second preseason game, but said that he'd be ready for the Titans and could have suited up in the two preseason games he missed.
Hamstring injuries are unpredictable, though, and can linger quite a while after they've mostly healed. Evans being held out today is a bad sign, but Thursday's practice will be the real determining factor. If he can't go then, the Bucs could have a real problem on Sunday.
If the Bucs head into Sunday's game without Evans, Louis Murphy will start opposite Vincent Jackson with Russell Shepard likely playing a big role as the third receiver. The Bucs could also call up Rannell Hall from the practice squad, and give Adam Humphries some snaps as a slot receiver.
In addition to Evans, defensive end T.J. Fatinikun continued to be held out of practice with a shoulder injury as well.