The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are managing Mike Evans’ recovery from a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since Week 3 against the New York Jets.
The injury occurred while Evans was running a route and was confirmed by MRI as a mild left hamstring strain.
Head coach Todd Bowles initially described it as a hamstring tweak, but the veteran receiver has missed several games since.
Evans is expected to remain out at least through Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Bowles provided an update on Evans’ status but offered little certainty about a firm timeline for his return to the field.
> “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 fast as he can,” Bowles said, via Greg Auman.
> Bowles today on Mike Evans and when he could return from his hamstring injury: "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 fast as he can."
>
> — Greg Auman (@gregauman) [October 8, 2025](https://twitter.com/gregauman/status/1975978706847007115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The comments suggest Evans is not progressing as quickly as the team initially anticipated following the injury.
While there is no concern about his full recovery, the timeline has stretched beyond the original projections.
Week 7 remains a potential target, but Week 8 is becoming the more realistic expectation given his current pace.
Tampa Bay may choose to be cautious with their veteran receiver due to his history of hamstring issues.
If Evans is delayed to Week 8, the Buccaneers could hold him out another week to align with their Week 9 bye.
This approach would minimize the risk of reinjury and ensure he returns at full strength for Week 10.
Hamstring injuries have been a recurring problem for Evans throughout his career. He missed three games in 2019 and another three last season due to similar setbacks.
Even with Emeka Egbuka stepping up as the primary target and Chris Godwin back in the lineup, the offense feels Evans’ absence.
Without him, the team’s overall dynamic shifts, and Tampa Bay must adapt to maintain consistency.
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