Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4, taking Baker Mayfield’s top offensive weapon off the field. Fortunately for the Buccaneers, it appears Evans’ absence wasn’t as long-term as initially feared.
When Evans suffered the hamstring strain, there was some concern it could force him to miss time. Even with the Week 5 bye, Evans’ status for the upcoming matchup against the Detroit Lions seemed like it would be a game-time call.
- Mike Evans contract: $23.698 million cap hit in 2023, 2024 free agent
Related: NFL coverage map Week 6
There was more uncertainty on Wednesday on the initial Buccaneers injury report. Evans was a non0=participant during the first full practice leading up to Week 6 and he was only a limited practice participant on Thursday.
Fortunately, head coach Todd Bowles announced on Friday that Evans is a “full go” for the final practice and he won’t be limited by the hamstring injury on Sunday against the Lions’ defense.
It’s a fantastic development for Mayfield and the Buccaneers’ offense. Entering NFL games today, Mayfield has a 137.8 QB rating when targeting Evans (Pro Football Focus). Unsurprisingly, Evans also leads the team in targets (31), receiving yards (337) and receiving touchdowns (three). He’s second in receptions (20) behind Chris Godwin (21).
Getting Evans back on the field is vital for Tampa Bay to have any shot at winning in Week 6. Ahead of Sunday’s game, running back Rachaad White has one of the lowest yards per carry averages (3.3) among starting running backs. Facing one of the NFL’s best run defenses, the Buccaneers’ offense will be even more reliant on its passing game.
In the NFL expert picks for Week 6, four of six analysts are picking Detroit to win on the road in Tampa Bay. However, Evans’ return should help lower the line (Lions, -3) to make this a more evenly-matched game.