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Buccaneers Announce Encouraging Mike Evans Injury Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Devon Platana | Last updated Nov 20, 2024 2:04 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will return to action this weekend following a bye week that couldn't have come at a better time. With injuries piling up across the lineup, the Buccaneers rode a four-game losing streak into their break and are hoping that the rest will help them bounce back against the New York Giants in Week 12.

The good news for Todd Bowles' team is that the Giants are also in a downward spiral after losing their last five outings. It'll be a juicy opportunity for the Buccaneers to reverse their fortunes and their odds of doing so are likely even better following the latest injury news.

The Buccaneers have announced that wide receiver Mike Evans returned to practice on Wednesday, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The news comes after the veteran pass-catcher participated in Monday's post-bye bonus practice, per ESPN's Jenna Laine.

The expectation is for Evans to face the Giants on Sunday.

Sources: #Bucs WR Mike Evans, who has been out since Week 7 with a hamstring injury, is back at practice and is planning to play on Sunday vs the #Giants.

A huge boost for Baker Mayfield. pic.twitter.com/xbG8jMfcKd
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 20, 2024

A pesky hamstring injury has kept the former Texas A&M playmaker out of Tampa Bay's lineup since Week 7. Even though his absence isn't the sole cause of his team's recent skid, it's worth noting that the Buccaneers are 4-3 with Evans in the lineup compared to being 0-3 when he's missed time this season.

With fellow wideouts Chris Godwin and Kameron Johnson on the injured reserve, Bowles will count on Evans to help rejuvenate the passing game. After all, the Buccaneers only averaged 147 passing yards in their last two games.

Evans has been one of football's most consistent receivers since being drafted seventh overall by the Buccaneers in 2014. The five-time Pro Bowl WR since amassed 1,000-plus receiving yards in each of his first 10 seasons and even led the NFL with 13 touchdown catches last year.

Having said that, Evans' 1,000-yard streak is in jeopardy of ending. The Galveston, Texas native only recorded 335 receiving yards (along with 26 catches and six TDs) before suffering his hamstring injury, meaning he must average at least 95 yards in the Buccaneers' finale seven games if he wants to extend the trend.

Fortunately, Sunday's date with the Giants could be exactly what Evans needs to return to form. The 31-year-old receiver has dominated New York throughout his career, tallying 38 catches for 655 yards and seven touchdowns in six career meetings.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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