Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is ready to return to action this Sunday against the New York Giants after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three games. According to both Evans and head coach Todd Bowles, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer is healthy and will suit up as long as he’s “fresh and ready to go” following a lengthy rehab process.
Evans, 31, suffered a moderate hamstring strain during the second quarter of the Buccaneers’ 41-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7. This injury matched the longest absence of his career, forcing him to miss the last three games. It also marked a re-injury of a previous hamstring issue, adding some concerns about overextending him after such a lengthy layoff.
In preparation for Sunday’s game, Evans was limited in practice on Wednesday and Friday but fully participated in Thursday’s session. Bowles expressed confidence that the veteran receiver is ready to make an impact. “If he needs to be in there, he’ll be in there,” Bowles said. “But we’ll get him out when we have to.”
Evans himself echoed those sentiments, noting that the time off has been beneficial. “I feel really good,” Evans said. “I feel better than I did going into the Ravens game. This time off definitely helped me, so I’m confident.”
Despite his optimism, Evans and the Bucs will be cautious with his usage, especially given that Tampa Bay is already dealing with injuries to other key receivers. The Buccaneers lost their No. 2 wide receiver, Chris Godwin, to a left ankle dislocation in the same game Evans was hurt, and rookie Jalen McMillan is dealing with a hamstring issue as well. Still, McMillan has practiced fully this week.
With Evans back in the fold, the Bucs will hope to snap a four-game losing streak. The team has struggled without him and Godwin, dropping four straight games after a promising 4-2 start. Evans’ absence has been particularly felt, with the Bucs’ offense lacking its usual spark in critical moments.
Evans’ return could not come at a better time, as the Buccaneers seek to turn around their season. In his seven games this year, Evans has caught 26 passes for 335 yards and six touchdowns, leading the team in scoring. However, the receiver’s impressive streak of 10 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons is in jeopardy. To extend that streak, Evans will need to average 95 yards per game over the remaining seven games of the season — a challenge that he seems motivated to take on.
“I’m excited for this week,” Evans said. “It hurt to see your team out there fighting in really tough, close games that we could have won. I wish I could have been out there to help them, but now I’m ready to make an impact and get back to helping my team win.”
With Evans back in the lineup, the Bucs will be hoping that his leadership and playmaking ability can help turn the tide in their favor as they look to get back in the win column against the Giants on Sunday.
