Bowles says Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving are "getting better" but didn't know whether either are in play to return to practice this week.

It sounds like both could be victims of a short week as the Bucs are coming off a Monday night game. The Bucs then have a bye in Week 9, so it really looks like both could sit out again and come back after the off week. It will be worth monitoring this week.

The Buccaneers ruled out WR Chris Godwin (fibula) and RB Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) for Monday’s game against the Lions. They are also considering WRs Mike Evans (hamstring) and Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) as game-time decisions.

Rachaad White will get another start in the backfield for the Bucs while the passing game could be up in the air. With Godwin and Jalen McMillan out and Evans and Egbuka 50/50, Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson and Kameron Johnson could lead the charge on the outside with Cade Otton getting more targets over the middle at tight end. Whoever is on the field will see a good matchup as the Lions have had issues at the cornerback position (Terron Arnold is also injured) and their safety group won’t be 100 percent (Brian Branch is suspended and Kerby Joseph’s status is up in the air).

Bucs HC Todd Bowles told reporters that RB Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) and Chris Godwin (fibula) are “not in play” for next Monday night’s game against the Detroit Lions.

Related players: Mike Evans, Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, Ryan Miller, Kameron Johnson, Rachaad White, Sean Tucker, Baker Mayfield

It's disappointing news but it's at least nice to know heading into waivers this week and when the time comes to set your lineup. The hope for Irving is he's back for Week 8, but the Bucs do have a bye in Week 9, so that could also be a factor in any decisions. Neither Godwin or Irving were placed on IR, so the hope is both are back inside of four weeks. The Bucs hope Evans can play this week, but Egbuka is likely out with a hamstring issue. White will get a majority of the touches at RB with Irving out and Tucker will get a share as well - as the Bucs continue to shuffle guys in and out of their lineup.

Bucs RB Bucky Irving (foot) is expected to miss Sunday’s game vs. Seahawks and is in danger of missing next week vs. 49ers, per source.

Rookie Josh Williams figures to be active this week as a third back in Irving’s absence.

Related Players: Rachaad White, Sean Tucker

We're expecting White to be the "lead back" here, but we should still see a good amount of Tucker, which limits the former's upside. Consider them respective low-end RB2 and RB3s.

Lots of updates from Bucs practice:

Not practicing: Mike Evans, Bucky Irving, Jamel Dean, Benjamin Morrison, Christian Izien.

Practicing: Baker Mayfield, Tristan Wirfs, Lavonte David, Chris Godwin, Zyon McCollum, Haason Reddick, Tykee Smith, Logan Hall, Greg Gaines, Charlie Heck, Sterling Shepard.

As Greg said, lots to take in here, but not a ton of surprises.

As it stands, we're not expecting any positive Week 5 news for Irving or Evans, which locks Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and Rachaad White into fantasy-friendly roles, while Mayfield should be in low-end QB1 consideration unless he experiences a setback.

Buccaneers do not fear Bucky Irving’s foot sprain is a long-term injury, per source. The team considers it a week-to week-injury.

Related Players: Rachaad White, Sean Tucker

We're assuming this is more of an even split between White and Tucker, but the former should presumably get the bigger chunk of the work, so he's on the RB2/3 fringe.

Bucs WR Mike Evans will miss 3-4 weeks with a moderate hamstring strain.

Related players: Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard, Ryan Miller, Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson, Cade Otton, Bucky Irving, Rachaad White

Evans' hamstring injury isn't considered as bad as the injury that caused him to miss three weeks last season. Evans is hopeful of a possible return before Week 7, and avoiding a trip to the IR. Godwin is working his way back from the ankle injury, but likely isn't returning this week. Egbuka should be the team's top target at WR with Shepard sliding in as the second. It's possible Otton, Irving and White see a bump in the passing game. Miller and both Johnsons have played very limited roles so far this season with Miller collecting a 20-yard TD catch in Week 2.

While Bucs coach Todd Bowles said the team does not have MRI results for star WR Mike Evans, he termed the injury as "low-grade" based on the initial diagnosis.

Related players: Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard, Ryan Miller, Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson, Cade Otton, Bucky Irving, Rashaad White

As Rapoport went on to say, it's a good sign the injury won't be a longer term one. Still, Evans doesn't seem likely to play in Week 4 against the Eagles, in what is an earlier Sunday game. With Egbuka also battling an injury coming into Week 3, and Godwin projected to miss another week or two, the Bucs are suddenly a bit shorthanded at the WR position. Egbuka did play in Week 3 and led the team with six catches and 85 yards, so he should be good to go at least. But behind him it's possible Irving, White, and Otton see increased work in the passing game. At WR, Shepard and Miller look to be the next men up.

[The Buccaneers] love [Bucky Irving], and while they also like Rachaad White and have a role planned for him, Irving is viewed by people in the building as special enough to warrant a high-volume RB1 role. That includes pass-catching work.

The blurb quoted QB Baker Mayfield talking about how Irving's vision makes him special. Mayfield added, "He's just tough to bring down. He's strong, he's got great vision, he understands it, and then also you add in the ability to catch too. He's well-rounded." Irving is our RB8 with an ADP of the late second or early third round.

Todd Bowles says rookie RB Bucky Irving’s back has tightened up. His availability against the Chargers will depend on if they can get the back to loosen up.

Related players: Rachaad White, Sean Tucker

Irving got four carries and a catch, but then gave way to White, who went on to catch and rush for a TD, as well as gain 90 yards on the ground with Irving on the sideline. It was frustrating for Irving owners who may have played Irving last week and took advantage of his success. The Bucs play at the Chargers in a game in the later window Sunday of Week 15. Irving will be a risky play even if he seems good to go unless we get some really positive news about his back leading up to Week 15. We'll continue to monitor his practice status this week.