Buccaneers’ perfect start hits massive Mike Evans injury roadblock

After racing off to their best start in 20 years, Tampa Bay’s momentum has come to a screeching halt. 

Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans is expected to miss 3-4 weeks after suffering a left hamstring strain in the team’s 29-27, roller-coaster victory over the Jets on Sunday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium.

Evans, 32, tweaked his hamstring in the fourth quarter and limped off the field — exiting the game with four receptions, 33 yards and a touchdown. He underwent an MRI on Tuesday, revealing he had a moderate strain, sources told ESPN.  

Through the team’s first three games, Evans tallied 14 receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown.

Hamstring injuries have hampered the six-time Pro Bowler throughout his career; he missed three games in each of the 2019 and 2024 seasons due to injuries to his right hamstring.

The Bucs are off to their first 3-0 start since 2005, but the loss of Baker Mayfield’s No. 1 target diminishes their odds of sustaining such success. Tampa Bay went winless in games that Evans missed last season.

Save for dazzling rookie Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay’s wide receiver room now borders on full vacancy. Pro Bowl wideout Chris Godwin is still ramping up from ankle surgery, and Jalen McMillan’s preseason neck injury is expected to keep him on the sidelined until after the team’s Week 9 bye.

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According to ESPN, there’s a “strong chance” that Godwin makes his season debut on Sunday at home against the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.