The Tampa Bay Buccaneers earned another come-from-behind win in Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season, but it came at a cost.
Star wide receiver Mike Evans suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday’s contest against the New York Jets. The 32-year-old pulled up lame in the second half of the game and had to limp off the field.
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Evans was not able to return to action because of the injury, leaving many wondering if the veteran would be forced to miss time.
Here’s what to know about Evans’ injury and when he might be able to return to Tampa Bay’s lineup.
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Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa’s effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
1 / 4
Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa’s effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
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Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: The New England Patriots’ Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.
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Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.
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Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.
How long is Mike Evans out?
Evans is expected to miss 2-3 weeks as a result of the hamstring injury he suffered against the Jets, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
This marks the second consecutive season during which Evans will miss time due to a hamstring injury. He missed three games in 2024 after injuring his hamstring against the New Orleans Saints.
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The silver lining? Rapoport reports Evans’ most recent injury is “not as bad” as the one the 32-year-old veteran suffered last season.
The Buccaneers have not yet provided an official timetable for Evans’ return. It isn’t clear whether they will do so.
Mike Evans injury update
Evans suffered a “hamstring tweak” in the second half of the Buccaneers’ 29-27 Week 3 win over the Jets, coach Todd Bowles told reporters during a postgame news conference.
Evans was seen hobbling off the field and was clearly frustrated by the injury. He threw his helmet to the ground while on the sidelines and also punched a cooler before limping to the locker room.
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Evans did not return to the game, and Bowles did not immediately provide any further indication of Evans’ status following it.
“I have not gone in to see the final details yet,” Bowles said, discussing Evans’ injury.
On Monday, Bowles indicated Evans would have an MRI to determine the injury’s severity but explained the team was deeming the malady a “low grade” injury.
Buccaneers WR depth chart
Evans’ injury will drop the Bucccaneers down to five healthy receivers on their 53-man roster. Below is the projected pecking order within that group based on playing time thus far in 2025.
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The Buccaneers could potentially add Chris Godwin back to the healthy group, which would provide the team a massive boost at receiver. The veteran is attempting to return from an ankle dislocation that knocked him out for the season in Week 7 last year.
Bowles was asked about the status of Godwin, and left tackle Tristan Wirfs, at Monday’s media availability. He didn’t guarantee either would play but noted they are set to continue ramping up.
“We gotta see the progression of how they handle everything, and then we’ll make that decision at the end of the week,” Bowles explained.
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If Godwin isn’t ready for Week 4, the Buccaneers could consider calling up one of their two practice squad wide receivers: Garrett Greene or Dennis Houston.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Evans injury update: How long is Buccaneers WR out?