Bucs' Evans to miss Packers contest after 1-game suspension upheld
The NFL upheld Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans' one-game suspension, making him unavailable to play Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, the league announced Wednesday.
Evans' agent, Deryk Gilmore, criticized the league's decision.
"We are disappointed that the league upheld a suspension when there are several arguments of players doing more egregious violations, including punching, kicking, and choking players, and not being suspended," Gilmore wrote in a statement, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"In addition, Evans had already been ejected, which is penalty enough, but the league chose to discipline him even more. This is unfortunate, but we will respect the league's decision."
The NFL suspended Evans for violating its rules on unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct in Week 2 after an altercation with New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
Evans and Lattimore were ejected following a fight among players. After Lattimore exchanged words with Bucs quarterback Tom Brady following a Tampa Bay incompletion on third down, Evans started the fracas by pushing the defensive back.
The league didn't suspend Lattimore.
Losing Evans isn't the Buccaneers' only concern at wide receiver ahead of their matchup versus the Packers. Wideouts Chris Godwin's and Julio Jones' statuses are uncertain after they didn't play in Week 2 due to injuries.
Tampa Bay signed veteran wide receiver Cole Beasley to its practice squad Tuesday. The team could elevate him to the active roster before Sunday, adding to a depth chart that also features Russell Gage, Scotty Miller, and Breshad Perriman.
The Bucs face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4.