Mike Evans injury update: Buccaneers WR hobbles to locker room with apparent leg issue

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans hobbled off the field and went straight into the locker room during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s Week 3 home contest against the New York Jets. Evans has a hamstring injury and will not return, the Buccaneers announced.

The injury occurred as quarterback Baker Mayfield was looking to connect with Evans for a would-be first down. Evans immediately stopped his route and took off towards the sideline. Evans was frustrated as he exited the field, as he punched a cooler on the sideline. He had four receptions for 33 yards and a score before leaving the game.

Mike Evans was PISSED limping off the field. He punches a cooler in anger before walking to the tunnel. #Bucs pic.twitter.com/11H44A52nf

— Matt Matera (@matty4_matera) September 21, 2025

Evans, in his 12th season in the NFL, has a history of hamstring injuries. He notably missed three games last season with a hamstring issue.

Buccaneers lose Mike Evans, injuries beginning to pile up

The Buccaneers are already dealing with multiple injuries across the board. On offense, Tampa Bay is without left tackle Tristan Wirfs, left guard Michael Jordan, right guard Cody Mauch and right tackle Luke Goedeke, as well as the wide receiver duo of Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan. Defensively, the Buccaneers have lost defensive tackle Calijah Kancey to a season-ending pectoral injury.

Now, they await to hear a diagnosis on their top wideout and one of their leaders in Evans. Losing Evans would be another blow and it comes at a time where the Buccaneers’ next opponent is the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Tampa Bay has made it work amid the injuries. They defeated the Jets, 29-27, on a game-winning field goal from Chase McLaughlin. They are now 3-0, sitting comfortably atop the NFC South.