Mike Evans injury update: Severity of hamstring injury, timeline revealed for Buccaneers WR

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-0) wide receiver Mike Evans is expected to miss multiple weeks with the hamstring injury he suffered in Sunday’s 29-27 Week 3 win over the New York Jets (0-3), per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Evans’ hamstring injury is reportedly not as bad as the one he dealt with last season, which resulted in him missing three games.

Still, Evans will miss some time. The Buccaneers host the Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) in Week 4 on Sunday before heading out west to face the Seattle Seahawks (2-1) in Week 5.

“We proceeded with caution last go-round,” head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday. “I don’t think it’s a go-round thing. It’s a matter of how he’s feeling and if he’s feeling well and 100% he’ll play, and if he’s not he won’t.”

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 exiting the field, as he punched a cooler on the sideline. He had four receptions for 33 yards and a score before leaving the game.

Buccaneers lose another wideout in Mike Evans

Evans, in his 12th season in the NFL, is looking to continue his streak of 1,000-yard seasons. In 2024, Evans tied Jerry Rice‘s record of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start a career. Evans has 140 yards through three games this season, so he’ll need 860 from the time he returns to the end of the season to keep the streak going.

Beyond the streak, his absence will be a big one for Tampa Bay’s already banged-up offense. The Buccaneers are currently 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. 

Wirfs, the All-Pro left tackle, recently returned to practice for the first time since undergoing offseason knee surgery. Godwin, sidelined since midway of last season with an ankle dislocation, also practiced in limited fashion last week. Both have a shot to make their season debut against the Eagles.

“We started practicing them last week,” Bowles said, “and we’ve got to see the progression of how they handle everything and then we’ll make that decision at the end of the week.”