Weeks after being sidelined by a hamstring injury, Mike Evans is back at practice – and the timing could hardly be better for his teammates, especially Baker Mayfield and a Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense stretched thin.
With multiple receivers injured or unavailable, Evans’ return could reshape the competitive landscape for Tampa Bay as they chase success in a stiff NFC.
The Buccaneers entered Week 7 with a 5-1 record – tied for the best in the league – but they’ve been bleeding offensive depth.
Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin, and Bucky Irving are all expected to miss out against Detroit, leaving Mayfield to work with depleted options.
In that context, Evans‘ return to practice comes “at the perfect time,” one report notes.
Sources say Evans is expected to return to practice today for the Bucs, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.
Though he exited the Week 3 game with the New York Jets due to a hamstring issue, the Buccaneers offense has held up – but only just.
Through three games this season, Evans has only 140 yards and one touchdown – quiet by his standards. He’s still tied for a league all-time record by reaching 1,000 yards in each of his first 11 seasons.
But in his absence, Mayfield‘s primary target corps has been tested. With Evans back, the Bucs regain one of their most dependable threats.
Meanwhile, Detroit enters the Monday Night matchup dealing with its own challenges. Multiple defensive backs are sidelined, and safety Brian Branch is suspended.
For Tampa Bay, this could be the perfect matchup to reinsert Evans into action, provided he’s healthy enough.
Mayfield welcomes Evans’ return
Baker Mayfield has been outstanding this season, threading passes skillfully despite the loss of receiving options. Nevertheless, he has not been shy about acknowledging Evans‘ value.
In prior seasons, Mayfield remarked, “the presence of Mike Evans completely changes how opposing teams play defense against the Bucs, so adjustments will have to be made during his absence.”
He has also stated that having Evans available again would be “huge” for the offense – and not just emotionally. Evans commands attention from defenses, often drawing double coverage or safety help that frees up space elsewhere.
With Evans back on the gridiron, Mayfield suddenly gets to operate with better spacing and more flexibility.
That said, head coach Todd Bowles is proceeding cautiously, and Evans is listed as a limited participant in practice. Evans returning in limited form is consistent with multiple reports.
A need for experience
In a banged-up wide receiver room, his presence matters. With Emeka Egbuka exiting a recent game with a hamstring injury, and Chris Godwin recovering from a fibula issue, Tampa Bay‘s offense badly needs a steady veteran.
If Evans can suit up, expect the Buccaneers to lean heavily on him – both as a safety valve and as a threat downfield. Mayfield‘s ability to spread the defense may be restored, giving fans a glimpse of a more potent and balanced offense.
Evans returning is more than just an upgrade; it could reshape the gameplay for Tampa Bay in this stretch. His chemistry with Mayfield, ability to stretch the field, and reputation as a defensive magnet all combine to alter how defenses must game-plan.
As Tampa Bay prepares to face Detroit, the Bucs may be getting exactly the jolt they need – just in time.
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