The Week 4 matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be affected by what MIke Evans decides to do about his suspension.
In the aftermath of the on-field brawl during the fourth quarter of the Week 2 game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints, Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans has been suspended by the league for one game. The NFL came down on the 6’5″ 230-lb. wideout after the melee at New Orleans, in particular because this isn’t the first altercation between Evans and Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
As it stands, Evans would be suspended for the Bucs’ Week 3 game against the Green Bay Packers, a crucial in-conference game that could have huge playoff implications for both teams. Evans has said that he will appeal the suspension. It would behoove the Buccaneers to push off Evans’ suspension long enough to keep the four-time Pro Bowler on the field against the Packers.
And that’s where things get very interesting for Chiefs Kingdom.
The Buccaneers host Kansas City in Week 4, hence the Mike Evans watch becomes very important for Chiefs fans. Tampa Bay’s offense is dramatically different without the nine-year veteran catching passes from Tom Brady. The Bucs played Week 2 without receivers Chris Godwin (hamstring) and Julio Jones (knee), and while their status moving forward is unknown, it could certainly put the Buccaneers in a bind if they once again have to enter into a game without multiple pass catchers.
The Chiefs still have the Colts this upcoming weekend before traveling to Tampa, but both Kansas City and Tampa Bay are undefeated entering Week 3. The circumstances surrounding the suspension of Evans – and his appeal – will be one to keep close tabs on this week.
Evans leads the Buccaneers with 8 receptions, 162 yards, and 1 score in 2022. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.