The Tampa Bay Buccaneers moved to 3-0 in 2025 with a thrilling last-second victory over the New York Jets, but the team lost star wide receiver Mike Evans in the process.
Evans made his impact felt and notched his first touchdown of the season, but was forced out of the game early after he appeared to tweak his hamstring. The 32-year-old was visibly frustrated as he exited the field, heightening concerns about the seriousness of the injury.
What is Evans' injury, and how much time will he be out? Here are the latest updates around the hamstring of Tampa Bay's star pass-catcher.
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What is Mike Evans' injury?
Evans sustained a hamstring injury in Tampa Bay's Week 3 win over New York. He appeared to tweak his hamstring as he planted his foot while running a route during the game's fourth quarter.
Here is the play where Evans was injured:
This is the play where Mike Evans suffered his hamstring injury. Top of the screen. pic.twitter.com/IJeZiXQty8
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) September 21, 2025
Evans let up as soon as he appeared to feel discomfort, exited to the locker room and was ruled out for the game shortly after.
MORE: The latest injury updates on Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb
How long is Mike Evans out?
Evans had an MRI to determine the severity of his injury. The results showed that the hamstring injury isn't as bad as the one that sidelined him last year, per Tom Pelissero. ESPN's Jenna Laine reported that a source told her that the star wide receiver is expected to miss three to four weeks, though a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that Evans could miss two to three games. Either way, the injury looks like it will sideline the veteran only a handful of weeks.
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Buccaneers WR depth chart
Evans has been a franchise stalwart, but their WR corps was strengthened with the addition of rookie Emeka Egbuka. Tampa Bay also hopes to get WR Chris Godwin back from injury soon.
Second-year WR Jalen McMillan began the season on injured reserve with a severe neck injury sustained in the preseason and is still on the mend.
Here's a look at Tampa Bay's hierarchy of pass-catchers.
| WR | Player |
| 1 | Mike Evans (Injured) |
| 2 | Chris Godwin Jr. (Injured) |
| 3 | Emeka Egbuka |
| 4 | Ryan Miller |
| 5 | Sterling Shepard |
| 6 | Tez Johnson |
| IR | Jalen McMillan |
| PS | Garrett Greene |
| PS | Dennis Houston |
Buccaneers schedule 2025
The Buccaneers built an early cushion in the NFC South with Evans on the field. Here is a look at their upcoming schedule following Week 3.
Tampa Bay's bye week comes in Week 9.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| 4 | Sunday, Sept. 28 | vs. Eagles | 1 p.m. |
| 5 | Sunday, Oct. 5 | at Seahawks | 4:05 p.m. |
| 6 | Sunday, Oct. 12 | vs. 49ers | 1 p.m. |
| 7 | Monday, Oct. 20 | at Lions | 7 p.m. |
| 8 | Sunday, Oct. 26 | at Saints | 4:05 p.m. |