The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are getting ready for a potential matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles without one of their most dependable stars. Wide receiver Mike Evans has been ruled out of Week 4 with a hamstring injury, an absence that will leave Baker Mayfield without his top target just as the Bucs head into a pivotal stretch of the schedule.
Evans left the game early in last week’s win over the Jets, grabbing the back of his leg before heading to the locker room and never returning. ESPN has reported that Evans is expected to miss multiple weeks with a strained left hamstring.
Will Mike Evans Play This Week?
Mike Evans did not practice all week, and the team has not reported anything that would indicate that Evans has made a miracle recovery. For Tampa Bay, it’s a massive loss. Evans has been the one constant in a receiving corps that has been extremely reliable for the Bucs. Through three games this season, he has brought in 14 receptions for 140 yards.
When Will Mike Evans Be Back?
There’s no firm timetable, but early indications are that this could be a multi-week injury. Team sources believe Evans is looking at somewhere between 2–4 weeks on the sideline, depending on how the hamstring responds to treatment. At 32, the Bucs are unlikely to rush him back.
If he misses the full four weeks, then the Week 8 matchup against the New Orleans Saints could potentially be his return to football.
Mike Evans Fantasy Outlook
For fantasy football managers, Mike Evans’ absence stings. He’s been a steady WR2 option for years, and his touchdown upside keeps him valuable in nearly any format. In the meantime, rookie Emeka Egbuka should get the first crack at WR1 duties, with veteran Sterling Shepard likely to grab more targets as well.
Tight end Cade Otton could also be a boost in red-zone looks, giving fantasy managers some short-term fill-ins. Still, none of them fully replace what Evans brings when healthy.
Fantasy owners should expect at least a couple of weeks without Evans in their lineups. In the meantime Sterling Shepard could be a potential look on the waivers. Otherwise they will have to stay patient and alert for updates as Tampa Bay manages its star cautiously.
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