Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon made his first start of the season with starter Josh McCown out with a thumb injury, and the Bucs were able to notch their first win of the season. Rookie wide receiver Mike Evans had his best game yet, hauling in four passes for 65 yards and his first career touchdown.
Evans left the game in the third quarter with an injured groin, however, and will reportedly miss the next two to four weeks. The loss dampens Tampa Bay's victory, and creates issues for multiple players.
Glennon must be downgraded with a significant red zone target erased. Vincent Jackson will see increased coverage without the equally imposing Evans opposite him, and the box may be more stacked at times with less threats to worry about via the air.
Fantasy owners will be missing a decent option as well, especially with bye weeks having begun. Here are some players who might fill the void.
Louis Murphy, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Murphy got his first action of the season on Sunday after Evans went down, and didn't disappoint. He caught six of the 11 passes thrown his way for 99 yards, and appeared to be the choice of the Bucs' staff to replace Evans.
Murphy has never been a star-his best season in the NFL is his rookie campaign in 2009 when he caught 34 passes for 531 yards and four touchdowns-and he's unlikely to become one now. He's the in-house replacement, but there are bound to be better options elsewhere.
Allen Hurns, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags upgraded from Chad Henne to rookie Blake Bortles, and the receiving corps mounting injuries are just opening the path for Hurns. He saw six targets on Sunday and caught five for 68 yards. Cecil Shorts left the game with another hamstring injury, and Marqise Lee is still banged up. The targets are all his.
Malcom Floyd, San Diego Chargers
The Chargers have a Top 3 passing offense in the NFL right now, and although Keenan Allen is the clear No. 1 receiver, everyone's been getting involved. QB Philip Rivers has been basically matchup proof, and Floyd may be his best red zone option. Floyd does not get a bunch of targets, but when healthy he has a knack for making them count. In deep leagues, he's perfectly viable.
James Jones, Oakland Raiders
Eddie Royal, San Diego Chargers
See SWN's Week 5 waiver wire advice article.
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