Mike Evans Set to Return for Buccaneers’ Crucial Matchup Against Giants
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are getting a much-needed boost this Sunday as head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that wide receiver Mike Evans, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, is expected to play against the New York Giants. Bowles emphasized that Evans will be on the field “as long as he’s healthy and fresh.”
Evans has been sidelined since Week 7 after suffering a moderate hamstring strain during a game against the Baltimore Ravens. The injury forced him to miss three games, tying the longest absence of his career. For a player as durable and impactful as Evans, sitting out was no easy task.
“It hurt to see your team out there fighting in really tough, close games that we could have won,” Evans admitted. “I wish I could [have been] out there to help them. I’m excited for this week.”
Evans’ Road to Recovery
Leading up to the Buccaneers’ Week 11 bye, Evans revealed to ESPN that he had considered pushing for a return in Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers. However, he ultimately decided to prioritize his recovery, using the bye week to ramp up his conditioning. Now, he’s feeling confident and ready to contribute.
“No, this week definitely built my confidence, and last week, going through all the conditioning I had to do,” Evans said. “I feel really good. Like I said, I feel better than I did going into the Ravens game. I was a little hobbled going into that game. I probably should have sat that one out, but I always try to tough it through. This time off definitely helped me, so I’m confident.”
Evans’ injury was particularly tricky, as it occurred in the same leg where he had already been dealing with a hamstring issue, albeit in a different part of the muscle. Despite the challenges, the star wideout is optimistic about his return and isn’t worried about reaggravating the injury.
Managing Evans’ Workload
While Bowles is eager to have his top receiver back, he’s also cautious about overworking him. The Buccaneers have been without their top three receivers—Evans, Chris Godwin, and rookie Jalen McMillan—during their recent four-game losing streak. With the team’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Bowles knows he has to strike a balance.
“If he needs to be in there, he’ll be in there,” Bowles said. “But we’ll get him out when we have to.”
The Buccaneers are in a precarious position, sitting at 0-4 over their last four games. To make the playoffs, they’ll likely need to replicate last season’s late surge, where they won five of their final six games. Having Evans back in the lineup could be the spark they need to turn things around.
Field Conditions? No Problem for Evans
One potential concern for Evans’ return is the playing surface at MetLife Stadium, which has a reputation for causing non-contact injuries. However, the veteran wide receiver isn’t fazed.
“I like it. I like it,” Evans said. “I prefer grass over turf, but whatever field it is, we’ve got to play on it.”
Chasing History
Before the season began, Evans made it clear that he had his sights set on tying Jerry Rice’s NFL-record 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Currently sitting at 10, Evans is second all-time and would need to average 95 receiving yards per game for the rest of the season to achieve the milestone. It’s a tall order, but if anyone can do it, it’s Evans.
“It’s there. Obviously, it’s going to be tough,” Evans said. “It’s something that … obviously, I’m thinking about a lot of other people. I’m just thinking about winning—playing winning ball. Things will happen. I’m trying to play and help the team win.”
What’s Next for the Buccaneers?
As the Buccaneers prepare for their matchup against the Giants, all eyes will be on Evans to see how he performs in his return. With the team’s playoff hopes on the line, his presence could be the difference-maker. Here’s what to watch for:
- How many snaps Evans plays and whether he’s on a pitch count.
- Whether Evans can quickly regain his chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield.
- How the Buccaneers’ offense adjusts with their top receiver back in the fold.
For Tampa Bay fans, the hope is that Evans’ return will not only boost the team’s morale but also help them get back in the win column. With so much at stake, Sunday’s game is shaping up to be a must-watch.
Originally Written by: Jenna Laine
