The Tampa Bay Buccaneers officially placed veteran wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday after he broke his clavicle in Monday night's loss to the Detroit Lions, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com. Evans will be forced to miss at least four games while on IR, but his absence is expected to be much longer than that. However, he reportedly suffered a clean break of his collarbone and could return to the team in under eight weeks if his rehab goes well. Head coach Todd Bowles said it would be "touch and go" as to whether Evans will be able to get back on the field before the end of the regular season. Fantasy managers can go ahead and drop the future Hall of Famer in redraft leagues. It's a tough blow for Evans, who had just returned from a three-game absence due to a hamstring strain. He will finish shy of 1,000 receiving yards in 2025 for the first time in his 12 NFL seasons.
Oct 22, 2025 7:47 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) is scheduled to have surgery this week to fix the broken collarbone that he suffered in Monday night's loss to the Detroit Lions, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Evans suffered a clean break of his clavicle, and the Buccaneers "should have Evans back in eight weeks or fewer." Head coach Todd Bowles said on Wednesday that the 32-year-old veteran wideout will be "touch and go" to return during this year's regular season, which means fantasy managers in redraft leagues can probably let go and replace him going into Week 8 action. However, if the Bucs make the postseason, Evans could be in play to rejoin the team if everything goes smoothly during his rehab. In the meantime, with Chris Godwin (leg) set to miss a third straight game this Sunday against the Saints, rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard, and Tez Johnson will operate in starting three-wide sets for Tampa.
Oct 22, 2025 1:20 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (shoulder) suffered a broken clavicle in the Monday night loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 7 and will miss most of the season, according to head coach Todd Bowles. It's a tough break for the Bucs and Evans, who will not reach 1,000 yards receiving for the first time in his career in his 12th year in the league. What makes it even worse is that Evans was making his return on Monday night for the first time since suffering a strained left hamstring in Week 3. Before breaking his clavicle in the second quarter on a play deep down the field, the future Hall of Famer was unable to haul in any of his four targets. The 32-year-old has 14 catches on 32 targets for 140 yards and a touchdown in four games this year. It's possible he could make it back late in the season, but by that point, he may be of no help to fantasy managers. Chris Godwin (leg) is currently nursing a fibula injury and missed another game in Week 7, so right now, rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka and Sterling Shepard will be quarterback Baker Mayfield's top targets at receiver.
Oct 20, 2025 10:54 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (concussion, shoulder) returned on Monday night to face the Detroit Lions in Week 7 for the first time since straining his left hamstring in Week 3, but it didn't take long for him to get hurt again in the first half at Ford Field. Evans went down in the second quarter deep down the field and was visibly in a lot of pain before being helped to the sideline. The Bucs have since ruled him out for the rest of the game with a concussion and shoulder injury, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The 32-year-old veteran wideout was carted into the locker room, where he will most likely undergo more tests on his shoulder. Chris Godwin (leg) is inactive on Monday night, so rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka and Sterling Shepard will be quarterback Baker Mayfield's top targets the rest of the night. It's a tough blow for Evans' fantasy managers who started him in Week 7. He was unable to catch any of his four targets before leaving with his two injuries.
Oct 20, 2025 8:37 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is officially active for the Monday night contest against the Detroit Lions in Week 7, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Evans came into Monday's contest with a questionable tag, but he will officially return after straining his left hamstring back in Week 3. Additionally, Tampa will have impressive rookie first-round wideout Emeka Egbuka on the field after he strained his hamstring in the Week 6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Chris Godwin (leg) and running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) will be out. Evans and Egbuka should be quarterback Baker Mayfield's top target in the passing game in what could easily be a shootout under the lights. Still, there's also a chance that Evans doesn't play his usual number of offensive snaps, given his long layoff. Still, Evans should be in starting fantasy lineups in redraft leagues now that he's cleared.
Oct 20, 2025 6:29 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is "likely" to play in Monday's Week 7 contest against the San Francisco 49ers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Evans is currently listed as questionable but continues to trend in the right direction after being a full participant in practice on Saturday. The 32-year-old has played in three of the Bucs' six games so far, catching 14 passes for 140 yards and one touchdown. He could be joined on the field by rookie sensation Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), who reportedly has "a real chance to play," as well. The two have shown that they can co-exist, with both ranking as strong WR2 options in their return from injuries. In addition to his fantasy outlook, all eyes are on Evans' quest for a 12th consecutive 1,000-yard season. He is 860 yards away with 11 games to go, meaning he'd need to average at least 78.2 yards per game for the rest of the year. He hasn't averaged more than 78.2 yards per game since 2019, but anything is possible in a high-powered Bucs offense that loves to throw the football.
Oct 19, 2025 11:54 AM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans' (hamstring) status for his team's Week 7 matchup against the Detroit Lions is "considered a pre-game decision," per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Schefter also notes that "there is more hope" for Evans than fellow Bucs wideout Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), who is also considered a game-time decision with a hamstring injury. Evans has missed the last three weeks for Tampa Bay after injuring his hamstring in Week 3. With Egbuka potentially sidelined and Chris Godwin (fibula) ruled out, Evans would likely dominate targets in Week 7 if he can make his return to the field. If he remains out, Buccaneers wideouts Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, and Kameron Johnson would all likely see an uptick in playing time and target share. Should Evans be available, he profiles as a high-end fantasy WR2 in Week 7 against Detroit.
Oct 18, 2025 12:59 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) was spotted participating in practice on Saturday after taking a rest day on Friday. His return to the field strongly suggests that the future Hall of Famer will be active for Monday Night Football against the Detroit Lions. Through three games, Evans has caught 14 of 28 targets for 140 yards and a touchdown, ranking as the WR37 on a per-game basis. While Evans appears on track to return, receivers Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (fibula) are both less likely to play on Monday Night. Assuming he's cleared to play, Evans profiles as a solid WR2 against a struggling Lions secondary that has allowed multiple big performances this season.
Oct 18, 2025 11:25 AM EST
FOX Sports' Greg Auman reports that Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) did not practice on Friday, but is still on track to suit up for Monday night's matchup with the hosting Detroit Lions. Evans returned to practice (limited) for the first time on Thursday since injuring his hamstring in the team's Week 3 win over the Jets. His DNP on Friday, however, "is part of his weekly routine and doesn't represent any kind of setback with his hamstring," per Auman. It's excellent news for Tampa Bay, as their offense is alarmingly short of skill players, with teammates Chris Godwin (leg), Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), and Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) all expected to be out in Week 7. Fantasy managers should monitor the veteran's status over the next few days, but he'll be hard to sit if active, even in his first game back after an extended absence.
Oct 17, 2025 11:49 AM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) returned to practice on Thursday, but he was limited after missing the last three games with a hamstring strain, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com. Still, it's great news for an extremely banged-up Bucs offense, as receivers Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (leg), and running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) are all expected to be out in a Week 7 Monday night showdown against the Detroit Lions. Evans is making good progress from his hamstring strain, but the Bucs will continue to monitor him before determining whether he will return on Monday night. The 32-year-old future Hall of Famer could be limited from a snap-count perspective if he returns, though, so he's certainly still a dicey fantasy option in Week 7. Even if Evans returns, Sterling Shepard will be an attractive fantasy streamer in what should be a pass-heavy game script against a thinned-out Lions secondary.
Oct 16, 2025 1:24 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is expected to return to practice on Thursday ahead of the team's Monday Night Football matchup against the Detroit Lions. Evans has missed the past two games with a hamstring injury, which has plagued him at various points throughout his career. With his anticipated return to practice, there's a strong chance he suits up against Detroit. The matchup is a favorable one, as the Lions have surrendered the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Given the current injuries to Chris Godwin (fibula) and Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), Evans should immediately reclaim a heavy target share in the passing game. Assuming he's active, Evans profiles as a high-end WR2 for Week 7, with legitimate upside to post WR1 numbers as he continues his pursuit of a 12th consecutive 1,000-yard season.
Oct 16, 2025 10:06 AM EST
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hoping that veteran wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) can return to practice this week, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. If Evans can get back on the practice field this week, it will give him a chance to return next Monday night for a Week 7 showdown against the Detroit Lions. The 32-year-old has not practiced or played since straining his hamstring in Week 3. The Bucs could really use Evans back in the fold, as rookie Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) is now set to miss time after getting hurt in the Week 6 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Veteran Chris Godwin (leg) is also expected to miss a second straight game in Week 7. If Evans cannot return to face Detroit next Monday, Tampa will be starting Sterling Shepard, Kameron Johnson, and Tez Johnson in three-wide sets. If Evans is up in the air for next Monday night, it will make for a difficult decision for fantasy managers as well.
Oct 13, 2025 12:53 PM EST
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) for a third straight game when they take on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in Week 6, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. In addition to Evans being out, Tampa will also be without veteran pass-catcher Chris Godwin (leg). Evans will miss a third straight contest after straining his left hamstring in the Week 3 win over the New York Jets. The 32-year-old future Hall of Famer will need to return to practice next week if he is to have any chance at returning for a Monday night showdown against the Detroit Lions to close out Week 7 action. With both Evans and Godwin out this weekend, rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard, and Tez Johnson should start in three-wide sets. Tight end Cade Otton will also have a higher ceiling. Shepard is worth looking at as a flex play in deeper leagues with more targets coming his way.
Oct 10, 2025 12:53 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) was not seen on Thursday in the portion of practice open to the media, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Evans didn't practice on Wednesday, either, and is tracking toward missing his third straight game due to a left-hamstring strain that he suffered in the Week 3 win over the New York Jets. With the 32-year-old future Hall of Famer most likely out again, Tampa's wideout corps could be extra thin this Sunday versus the San Francisco 49ers, as fellow wideout Chris Godwin (leg) has also yet to practice this week. If Evans and Godwin are unavailable, Sterling Shepard and Tez Johnson will be asked to step up in the passing game next to rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka. Tight end Cade Otton would have a higher ceiling and floor in fantasy, too. It's unclear if Evans will have a shot to return in Week 7 on Monday night against the Detroit Lions.
Oct 9, 2025 12:41 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) was unable to practice on Wednesday. This doesn't come as shocking news as Evans continues to work his way back from a hamstring strain he suffered in Week 3. Head coach Todd Bowles said Evans is making progress, but didn't give much information on a possible timetable for Evans. There is a chance that Evans does practice this week and play against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. However, fantasy managers should prepare for Evans to likely miss at least one more game. Fellow wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) also missed Wednesday's practice session. If both wideouts are out, Emeka Egbuka and Sterling Shepard would be the top options in the receiving game.
Oct 8, 2025 9:30 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) continues to make progress in his recovery, though a firm return date remains uncertain. Head coach Todd Bowles offered an optimistic update Wednesday, saying, "He's coming along. He's healing. I can't tell you how fast or when, but he's healing." Despite Evans and Chris Godwin both missing time this season, Tampa Bay's passing offense hasn't missed a beat, ranking sixth in the NFL behind impressive play from rookie Emeka Egbuka. The Buccaneers' depth at receiver has helped keep the offense rolling, but Evans' eventual return would provide a major boost to an already dynamic unit. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his practice participation ahead of the team's upcoming matchups.
Oct 8, 2025 2:18 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) has officially been ruled out for the second straight week in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Evans has not been able to practice since straining his left hamstring in Week 3, and he'll be missing his second straight game this weekend. With the future Hall of Famer out again, expect both rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin, who will be playing in his second game this year, to be peppered with targets from quarterback Baker Mayfield again. Sterling Shepard will continue to see an elevated role with Evans out, but he'll merely be a low-upside WR4/flex option in deeper fantasy leagues. The 32-year-old Evans will need to get back on the practice field at some point next week if he wants to have any chance of returning for a Week 6 tilt against the San Francisco 49ers.
Oct 3, 2025 12:42 PM EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) was not spotted at Thursday's team practice, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. The 32-year-old missed his fifth consecutive practice while working back from a hamstring injury, an issue he's all too familiar with at this point in his career. Tampa Bay was fortunate to have teammate Chris Godwin's return coincide with Evans' absence, as it seems the latter is still at least another week away from potentially returning to his team. With Evans expected to miss Week 5, Sterling Shepard and Tez Johnson will again operate behind Godwin at rookie Emeka Egbuka when Tampa Bay takes on the hosting Seattle Seahawks.
Oct 2, 2025 11:46 AM EST
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have updated their injury report, and All-Pro receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is one of only two players to be officially ruled out of Sunday's Week 4 matchup with the Eagles. This comes as no surprise, as Evans is expected to miss multiple weeks after an MRI on Tuesday revealed a mild to moderate strain of his left hamstring. Evans missed three games last season with an injury to his right hamstring and has a history of soft tissue issues. While Chris Godwin (ankle) is currently listed as questionable, it would be a surprise to see him handle a full allotment of snaps in his first game back from the devastating ankle injury that ended his 2024 season. Rookie Emeka Egbuka is in line to pace the team in targets against the defending champs and is a must-start this week.
Sep 26, 2025 2:12 PM EST
Updating a previous report, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) will miss three to four weeks due to a moderate hamstring strain that he suffered in the Week 3 win over the New York Jets, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. The Bucs don't think Evans' hamstring injury is as severe as the one that cost him four weeks last year, but the 32-year-old future Hall of Famer is going to miss at least a couple of weeks. The good news is that Tampa could be getting Chris Godwin (ankle) back in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles for the first time since he dislocated his ankle in Week 7 of 2024. Rookie first-round wideout Emeka Egbuka is probably going to operate as the WR1 with Evans out as the team eases Godwin back into the fold. Sterling Shepard will also see an uptick in targets out of the slot, and he's worth a look on the waiver wire for some added short-term production.
Sep 23, 2025 12:27 PM EST