Mike Evans remains sidelined by a left hamstring strain sustained late in Week 3, and head coach Todd Bowles says the All-Pro receiver is healing but still without a firm timetable.
Evans has already missed two games and will miss a third this weekend against the San Francisco 49ers, keeping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ passing attack in a next-man-up posture as the staff manages soft-tissue risk and workload benchmarks.
Mike Evans Injury Update: Latest on Buccaneers WR’s Status
Evans strained his left hamstring in the fourth quarter of the Buccaneers’ Week 3 win over the New York Jets. He immediately exited after grabbing at his leg, and an MRI later confirmed a mild strain. While the initial outlook was hopeful, the recovery has extended beyond early expectations, and Bowles confirmed Wednesday that Evans remains out for Week 6 versus the 49ers.
On Wednesday, Bowles shared an update on Evans’ progress: “He’s coming along. He’s healing. I can’t tell you how fast or when, but he’s healing, and he’s working, trying to get back as fast as he can.”
Evans did not practice on Thursday, and on Friday it was officially announced that he will not play in Week 6.
The Buccaneers continue to treat him on a week-to-week basis, a standard approach for hamstring injuries, with clearance tied to how the muscle responds to rehabilitation and practice load.
Evans’ absence has coincided with rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka emerging as Baker Mayfield’s primary downfield threat. In five games, Egbuka has 25 catches for 445 yards and five touchdowns, including a Week 5 breakout at Seattle with seven receptions for 163 yards and a score, plus a 77-yard strike against the Eagles earlier this season.
Tampa Bay entered the year thin at receiver due to injuries, with Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan both starting on injured reserve, which accelerated Egbuka’s role. The staff has redistributed red-zone looks and deep shots accordingly, and the rookie’s production has helped stabilize the offense while Evans ramps up.
Evans will be held out until he meets internal durability and workload thresholds, typically progressing through rehab to limited practice and then full participation before game clearance. In the interim, Tampa Bay will continue leaning on Egbuka and healthy wideouts while monitoring Evans’ hamstring response to each stage of work.
Will Mike Evans Play in Week 6?
Evans will miss his third straight game against the 49ers. Beyond Week 6, the Buccaneers have not set a return date, and Bowles’ update confirms the timeline remains open. The medical team will continue to evaluate daily, and any move toward practice will indicate the next phase. Until then, volume should continue to funnel to Egbuka and the available receivers, with Tampa Bay’s passing game tailored to the current personnel while Evans heals.
As the veteran ramps up, the Buccaneers will balance urgency with caution. A healthy Evans changes how defenses play Tampa Bay’s formations, especially in the red zone and on vertical concepts, but the club has made clear he will only return when the hamstring is ready for a full game load. That keeps week-to-week status as the operative frame while the offense holds serve with its emerging playmakers.