Mike Evans, Bucs WR, out 3-4 weeks with injury: Impact on the team

Mike Evans, Buccaneers star, out with injury

Tampa Bay Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans will miss three to four weeks due to a left hamstring strain. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s victory against the New York Jets. A magnetic resonance performed on Tuesday revealed that Evans suffered a “mild to moderate” strain. Evans, known for his previous hamstring issues, already missed three games last season and three in 2019 due to right hamstring injuries. The six-time Pro Bowler has 14 receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown this season for the Buccaneers (3-0). The Bucs are already without wide receiver Chris Godwin, who is recovering from ankle surgery, and Jalen McMillan, who suffered a neck injury in the second preseason game and is not expected to return until after their bye week in Week 9. Godwin could return for Tampa Bay’s Week 4 matchup against the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles (3-0). Last season, the Bucs had a 0-3 record without Evans, also coinciding with Godwin’s injury.

“I don’t know if Evans can be replaced. Other players can do other things, and we will try to adapt to those things, but you can’t replace Mike Evans”.

Todd Bowles, Coach

Evans holds the record for most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start a career in the NFL (11). The record he is currently pursuing is the one he shares with Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. One more season would give Evans 12 and secure the record. In his return last year, Evans tied with 669 receiving yards in the last seven games to secure the tie with Rice. It all came down to the last play of the regular season, a 9-yard reception with 0:36 remaining, which resulted in a very emotional moment for Evans, his coaches, and his teammates. Evans, who has always prioritized the team, has spoken many times about his desire to break the record and Rice offered him his support, telling him this summer: “You know I’m supporting you, right?” Evans had said he hoped it wouldn’t come down to the last play, saying: “I hope I can do it… early.” That’s unlikely to be the case. The Bucs have leaned heavily on rookie Emeka Egbuka, as Evans has consistently drawn the attention of opposing defenses. Egbuka’s three touchdowns are tied for fourth in the NFL. Tampa Bay has also received significant contributions from veteran receiver Sterling Shepard (153 receiving yards).