Will Bucs rookie passer Jameis Winston be forced to play his first NFL game minus Mike Evans?
That's the concern in Tampa Bay after the promising second-year receiver missed his second straight practice on Thursday with a hamstring injury, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.
The Bucs still have a pair of practices left before Sunday's season opener against the Tennessee Titans. If Evans can't go, veteran Louis Murphy would line up opposite Vincent Jackson.
Winston is the first quarterback to be drafted No. 1 overall since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to inherit two 1,000-yard receivers from the previous season. Losing Evans would severely weaken this passing game for an attack already operating behind a shoddy offensive line.
Other injuries we're tracking heading into Week 1:
- Redskins coach Jay Gruden said Thursday that quarterback Robert Griffin III has yet to be cleared from the concussion he suffered in the preseason. Even when that happens, Washington has already settled on Kirk Cousins.
- Chargers tight end Ladarius Green missed practice with a concussion. The Chargers are in trouble at tight end with Antonio Gates suspended the first four games and Green sidelined. Linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu (hamstring) and corner Craig Mager (hamstring) were both limited at practice for San Diego.
- Patriots DT Dominique Easleyinjured his left hip during the first quarter of Thursday night's game against the Steelers. He did not return.
- Steelers LB Sean Spence left Thursday night's game with a hamstring injury. His return was doubtful.
- Steelers safety Will Allen was evaluated for a possible concussion during Thursday night's game against the Patriots.
- Bills wideout Percy Harvin is on track to play Sunday against the Colts after operating as a full participant in Thursday's practice, according to ESPN.com's Mike Rodak. Battling a hip injury, Harvin is finally rounding into full health.
- Arian Foster won't play Sunday, but the Texans running back acknowledged he's "feeling wonderful" in his rehab from groin surgery. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle noted that Foster -- expected to return in late September or early October -- was "running and cutting quickly and decisively" on the side.
- Jaguars running back Toby Gerhart (abdomen) was limited in Thursday's practice while wideout Marqise Lee missed the session with a hamstring injury, per the team.
- Giants linebacker Jon Beason (knee) said he plans to play Sunday night against the Cowboys despite not practicing on Thursday, per NJ.com's Art Stapleton. Victor Cruz's status doesn't seem as optimistic as the wideout missed his second practice this week because of his injured calf.
- Ravens DT Timmy Jernigan (knee) was moved to limited participation after not practicing on Wednesday.
- Bears LB Jon Bostic (ankle), WR Alshon Jeffery (calf) and WR Eddie Royal (hip) were limited for Chicago on Thursday.
- Panthers C Ryan Kalil (knee) and CB Josh Norman (concussion) were both limited at practice on Thursday.
- Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy (hip) is not expected to play for Detroit when the team faces the Chargers.
- WR Dwayne Bowe (hamstring), CB Justin Gilbert (hip), QB Johnny Manziel (right elbow)and LB Barkevious Mingo (knee) were all limited for the Cleveland Browns on Thursday.
- LB Nate Irving (knee), LB D'Qwell Jackson (toe), LB Robert Mathis (achilles) and CB D'Joun Smith (knee) all practiced on a limited basis for the Colts on Thursday.
- S Jairus Byrd (knee), LB Dannell Ellerbe (toe), CB Keenan Lewis (hip), RB C.J. Spiller (knee) and LB Davis Tull (shoulder) were limited for the Saints.
