The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading into a key matchup with the division rival New Orleans Saints and the main topic of the week has been the health status of several key players for both teams.

Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans and running back Leonard Fournette are two such players and according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, both players are expected to play against the Saints on Sunday at 1 p.m ET.

Wide receiver Julio Jones, on the other hand, is a true game-time decision and the Buccaneers will see how he looks during warmups before making an official decision.

Bucs WR Mike Evans, listed as questionable for Sunday due to a calf injury, is expected to play to play vs. the Saints, per source. Bucs don’t expect to know whether they will have WR Julio Jones, who is Q due to a knee injury, until they see how he feels during pre-game warmups.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2022

Bucs’ RB Leonard Fournette, listed as questionable for Sunday due to a hamstring injury, is expected to play vs. the Saints, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2022

Saints running back Alvin Kamara is the big name for the Saints. Kamara was a limited practice participant on Wednesday due to what has been labeled as a rib injury. He was downgraded to a non-participant on both Thursday and Friday, which prompted many around the league to keep a close eye on him.

The Saints signed Latavius Murray to the practice squad earlier in the week, but things looked promising for Kamara when the Saints declined to elevate Murray to the 53-man roster.

But, now, we know that Murray's lasting place on the practice squad doesn't allude to Kamara playing in this game. A lot of that might just be because running back Mark Ingram is expected to play.

Saints’ RB Alvin Kamara, listed as questionable for Sunday due to a rib injury, is not expected to play vs. the Buccaneers, per source.
 
Saints’ RB Mark Ingram, also listed as questionable for Sunday due to an ankle injury, is expected to to play vs. the Buccaneers, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2022

The Saints did receive some good news in the form of quarterback Jameis Winston, however. Winston is expected to play after showing up on the prior week's injury report with a back injury.

There is still no update on Buccaneers starting left tackle Donovan Smith or wideout Chris Godwin. Both players are unlikely to play after not practicing all week, but the team has a sliver of hope that at least one of them can.

But there is an update on Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Gage and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, both players should go.

#Bucs WR Julio Jones, who landed on his knee last week, is a true game-time decision, source says. The hope is he can go, but it all depends on how he warms up. Meanwhile, WR Russell Gage (hamstring), RB Leonard Fournette (hamstring) and OT Tristan Wirfs (abdomen) should go.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 18, 2022

In all, it's a great start to the morning for the Buccaneers as they get ready to try and beat the Saints in the regular season for the first time since 2018.

Featured image via Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports