The Detroit Lions have kicked off the season impressively, though not without a few setbacks. Realistically, every NFL team has stumbled at least once so far, so Detroit isn’t an exception — and with a 4-2 record, things could definitely be worse. Still, their loss in the Sunday Night Football matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs wasn’t easy to digest. The Lions exited Arrowhead Stadium with a 30-17 defeat, a game they had hoped to win.

That makes Monday’s game on October 20 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a crucial one for Detroit. The Buccaneers are considered among the most formidable teams in the current NFL rankings across multiple metrics, so a win for the Lions would be a massive confidence boost and a statement performance.

However, as the Lions prepare for Monday night, they’re realizing the Buccaneers are getting stronger. Reports from Tampa Bay suggest the team’s lineup is nearly at full strength, with key players expected to return to the field, potentially making them tougher than they’ve been in recent outings.

On Monday, Tampa Bay’s quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to have his top target back in action. Wide receiver Mike Evans returned to practice on Thursday, October 16, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Evans had been sidelined with a hamstring injury since Week 3 but now appears ready to rejoin the lineup just in time to face the Lions.

Evans, a seasoned star, has reached 1,000 receiving yards in every one of his 11 NFL seasons, making him a dangerous offensive weapon. Detroit’s defense will have its hands full trying to contain him, though the Lions will hope to minimize his impact.

In addition to Evans’ return, Tampa Bay is also welcoming back other key contributors. Per Stroud’s report, cornerbacks Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison, along with offensive lineman Mike Jordan, have resumed practice and could feature against

The Detroit Lions have kicked off the season impressively, though not without a few setbacks. Realistically, every NFL team has stumbled at least once so far, so Detroit isn’t an exception — and with a 4-2 record, things could definitely be worse. Still, their loss in the Sunday Night Football matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs wasn’t easy to digest. The Lions exited Arrowhead Stadium with a 30-17 defeat, a game they had hoped to win.

That makes Monday’s game on October 20 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a crucial one for Detroit. The Buccaneers are considered among the most formidable teams in the current NFL rankings across multiple metrics, so a win for the Lions would be a massive confidence boost and a statement performance.

However, as the Lions prepare for Monday night, they’re realizing the Buccaneers are getting stronger. Reports from Tampa Bay suggest the team’s lineup is nearly at full strength, with key players expected to return to the field, potentially making them tougher than they’ve been in recent outings.

On Monday, Tampa Bay’s quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to have his top target back in action. Wide receiver Mike Evans returned to practice on Thursday, October 16, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Evans had been sidelined with a hamstring injury since Week 3 but now appears ready to rejoin the lineup just in time to face the Lions.

Evans, a seasoned star, has reached 1,000 receiving yards in every one of his 11 NFL seasons, making him a dangerous offensive weapon. Detroit’s defense will have its hands full trying to contain him, though the Lions will hope to minimize his impact.

In addition to Evans’ return, Tampa Bay is also welcoming back other key contributors. Per Stroud’s report, cornerbacks Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison, along with offensive lineman Mike Jordan, have resumed practice and could feature against Detroit.t Detroit.