The Tampa Bay ÍŹBuccaneers are off ÍŹto a perfect start this season, butÍŹ Sunday’s win ÍŹagainst the New York Jets came at a cost. Their ÍŹmost reliable offensive weapon went down late inÍŹ the game, leaving the team with difficult questions about how long they’ll beÍŹ withoutÍŹ him and how they’ll adjust moving forward.
Buccaneers Face Test Without Their Top Receiver
WideÍŹ receiver Mike ÍŹEvans exited in the fourth quarterÍŹ after suffering ÍŹaÍŹ hamstringÍŹ injury. An MRI on Tuesday ÍŹrevealed a moderate strain ÍŹin his left hamstring, which is expected ÍŹto sideline him for three to four weeks.ÍŹ AtÍŹ 32,ÍŹ EvÍŹans has dealt with similar ÍŹissues before, missing threeÍŹ games lastÍŹ season andÍŹ three in 2019 ÍŹbecause of right hamstring injuries.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Evans will be sidelined for multiple weeks. He described the update as relatively positive compared to last season, when he missed four games.
He wrote, “#Bucs WR Mike Evans, who left Sunday’s dramatic win with a hamstring injury, had an MRI that revealed he’s out multiple weeks, per The Insiders. But it’s not as bad as last year when he missed four weeks. Solid news.”
#Bucs WR Mike Evans, who left Sunday’s dramatic win with a hamstring injury, had an MRI that revealed he’s out multiple weeks, per The Insiders. But it’s not as bad as last year when he missed four weeks. Solid news. pic.twitter.com/jtPCXVFoUv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2025
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times added more detail. He posted on X, “Per sources, the injury is similar in severity to the one that forced him to miss three games last season. It means the earliest Evans could return would be vs the Lions Oct. 30.” Though the reported recovery windows vary slightly, the consensus is that Evans’ absence will not stretch beyond a month.
Per sources, the injury is similar in severity to the one that forced him to miss three games last season. It means the earliest Evans could return would be vs the Lions Oct. 30. https://t.co/WKYS0z2sjh
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) September 23, 2025
CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported that Evans is expected to miss about three to four weeks, a timeline echoed by FOX Sports’ Greg Auman, who described the issue as a moderate hamstring strain.
He posted on X, “The current belief is that #Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans will miss in the range of 3-4 weeks due to the hamstring injury he suffered Sunday, sources tell @CBSSports”
The current belief is that #Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans will miss in the range of 3-4 weeks due to the hamstring injury he suffered Sunday, sources tell @CBSSports pic.twitter.com/Yy7RckYRsI
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 23, 2025
The reporting suggests that while Evans will miss crucial games, the setback is not viewed as season-threatening. The optimism is also tied to the fact that this injury, similar to past hamstring problems, has not been described as severe.
Evans’ absence comes at a time when the Buccaneers are already shorthanded at wide receiver. Chris Godwin has been sidelined after ankle surgery, though ESPN reported he could return as soon as Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Meanwhile, rookie Ja͏len Mc͏Mi͏llan ͏has been ͏out since the preseason ͏with͏ a neck injury and isn’t expected back ͏until after the team’s͏ Week 9 bye.
That leaves Tampa Bay in a precarious position. ÍŹEvÍŹans leads the team with 14 receptions for 140 yards ÍŹand one touchdown so far this season, per ESPN. Without him,ÍŹ the offense must find new ways to stretch defenses and maintain its rhythm, especially in a stretch that includes ÍŹtop competition.
The Buccaneers͏’͏ undefeated start͏ ͏has created momentum, but͏ the coming weeks will͏ test their ͏depth ͏and͏ adaptability. With Evans projected to miss multiple games, the ͏team must find short-term answers while waiting for its͏ star to return. The hope, as multiple reports suggest͏, is that this absence will be͏ measured in weeks͏ ͏rather than months.
