Mike Evans injury update: Buccaneers WR status revealed vs. Giants, per report

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) receiver Mike Evans is back at practice Wednesday and tracking towards playing in Sunday’s Week 12 road matchup against the New York Giants (2-8), per Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports.

Evans has been sidelined for the last three games after reaggravating his hamstring injury in the Week 7 home defeat to the Baltimore Ravens (7-4).

The Buccaneers did not place Evans on injured reserve, hopeful that his absence would be more short-term than long-term. Evans has hauled in 26 receptions for 335 yards and six touchdowns this season. The 31-year-old has recorded at least 1,000 yards in every season since entering the league in 2014, a streak now in jeopardy with just seven games remaining on Tampa Bay’s 2024 schedule.

More importantly, the Buccaneers need Evans in the lineup to help them get back into the playoff hunt. Tampa Bay has dropped four consecutive games after a 4-2 start. The last three losses, to the Atlanta Falcons (6-5), Kansas City Chiefs (9-1) and San Francisco 49ers (5-5), have been by a combined 14 points.

Mike Evans tracking towards return vs. Giants

While the offense has continued to produce without both Evans and Chris Godwin, out for the season with a dislocated left ankle, production from other wideouts has been sparse. In the Week 10 loss to San Francisco, Buccaneers receivers combined for just four catches for 28 yards. Quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for a season-low 116 yards.

For all of the Giants’ faults this season, their defense has been stingy against the pass. New York has allowed 184.2 yards per game through the air, fourth best in the NFL. Evans has, however, been a Giant killer throughout his career. In six games, he has 38 receptions for 655 yards and seven touchdowns.

Tampa Bay will hope for a similar output this time around.