After full participation in Saturday’s practice, Mike Evans is questionable for Monday night
Future Hall of Fame receiver Mike Evans could be making his return from a hamstring injury on Monday night.
After fully participating in practice on Saturday, Evans is officially listed questionable for the Motor City showdown with the Lions.
Receiver Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) is also questionable; he’s expected to be a game-time decision.
Out for the Buccaneers are receiver Chris Godwin (fibula), running back Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder), guard Luke Haggard (shoulder), and running back Josh Williams (concussion).
The other questionable Buccaneers are linebacker Lavonte David (knee/rib) and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who popped up on the Saturday report with an illness.
Evans, who suffered his latest hamstring injury in Week 3, has missed three straight games. With only 140 receiving yards and 11 games left in the regular season, Evans faces an uphill climb to extend his streak of 1,000-yard seasons to 12. He has never had fewer than 1,000 receiving yards in any of his NFL seasons.
Brandon Graham’s comeback call tied to Jason Kelce’s 5-month-old offhand remark
The Eagles' defense feels like a soft pretzel from a beloved Philly cart, but someone forgot the salt. All the basic ingredients are there, yet it’s missing that essential, gritty bite that makes it truly complete. After Za’Darius Smith's sudden retirement, the pass rush is lacking its defining flavor. And fans are left with a bland taste, wondering if a dash of a classic, familiar spice could be the answer.
This isn't just about filling a roster spot. It's about identity. The conversation, however, started not with a general manager’s phone call but with a retired center’s throwaway line from five months ago.
The Jason Kelce Comment That Started It All
The buzz around Brandon Graham’s potential return is now a full-blown conversation. NFL Insider Mike Garafolo confirmed the speculation is rooted in a specific, brilliant idea on a PHLY Sports show. He recounted a recent studio conversation, highlighting the direct link to Jason Kelce.
“We talked about him [Graham] last year,” Garafolo said. “Be the closer for games. Just show up for half of the back end of the fourth quarter in the same way that Jason Kelce says he would come back if he only had to run the tush push. Brandon Graham should come back if he only has to rush the passer in the back half of the fourth quarter. How about that?”
This concept gives the Eagles a clear, limited role for the 37-year-old legend. The team’s edge rusher room is dangerously thin. Currently, only one active player has recorded a sack this season. Their nine total sacks rank among the league's worst. Graham wouldn't need to be an every-down hero. Instead, he could be a designated pass-rush specialist, a fourth-quarter closer.
Jason Kelce himself fueled this fire on Philadelphia sports radio. He stated, “They’ve been banged up on the edge... They would benefit from having his physicality.” Kelce added a crucial insight about Graham’s retirement.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, however, initially threw cold water on the idea. But the front office's calculus may have changed dramatically. The need for a veteran presence is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity.
A Specialist’s Role in a Modern Defense
The Eagles are not asking Graham to be the 2017 version of himself. They need the 2024 version, which was effective on about 28 snaps per game before the brutal injury against the Rams. His role would be analogous to a baseball team’s setup man. He would come in for specific, high-leverage situations. And his sole job would be to hunt the quarterback on obvious passing downs. This preserves his energy and maximizes his impact.
Furthermore, his leadership is an intangible asset. The young defensive line room features players like Jalyx Hunt and Azeez Ojulari. Graham’s voice and work ethic could be as valuable as any sack he provides. His return would stabilize the unit emotionally while bolstering it physically.
Of course, valid questions remain. Is Graham in football shape after eight months of retirement? He has been enjoying life, from his podcast to public appearances. The grind of an NFL season is a brutal ask. Additionally, his storybook ending—retiring with two Super Bowl rings—was perfect. Why risk tarnishing that legacy for a limited role?
The decision rests with Graham and Howie Roseman. The team’s struggle to generate pressure is a glaring weakness opponents will exploit. Bringing back a franchise icon on a team-friendly deal to solve a specific problem is a move straight out of the "Howie Roseman Playbook." It’s a low-risk, high-reward scenario that could pay massive dividends in crucial moments.
This potential comeback is more than a nostalgia trip. It is a strategic gambit, born from a former teammate’s clever observation and a team’s desperate need. It’s about finishing the game strong. As the legendary sportscaster Vin Scully once said,
