On a night of celebration for Mike Evans, who joined the elite 100-touchdown club, a hamstring injury cut his game short.
UPDATE: Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans had to sit out two practices due to a hamstring injury in the week leading up to Tampa Bay’s Monday Night Football game against the Ravens. Unfortunately, Evans aggravated the same injury during the second quarter and was officially ruled out for the rest of the game.
By Tuesday, reports indicated that Evans could miss several weeks and might not return until after Tampa Bay’s Week 11 bye.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles commented on the situation on Saturday, stating Evans’ status was still uncertain.
“He did some things today that were encouraging,” Bowles shared, as reported on the Bucs’ official website. “We’ll see how the next two days go and we’ll see how he feels Monday. He’s questionable right now.”
Star wide receiver Mike Evans exited the Buccaneers’ Monday Night Football game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a hamstring injury. He was going for a deep pass in the end zone but dropped it, immediately clutching his leg afterward.
He managed to walk off the field without assistance and headed straight to the locker room. It was later confirmed that Evans would not return for the rest of the game. Considering his prior injury concerns, this has raised new questions.
Evans had been dealing with a hamstring issue that limited him during practice the previous week, though he didn’t have an official injury designation going into Monday night.
Earlier in the week, Coach Todd Bowles had described Evans’ hamstring problem as something that had been lingering rather than a sudden injury.
Despite the hamstring troubles, Evans was able to participate in Friday’s practice, albeit in a limited role, and was not listed with any injury before the game. During the game, he was also recognized on the video board for reaching his 100th career touchdown reception.
Even ailing, Evans made history. He caught his 100th career touchdown pass during the Buccaneers’ opening drive against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night.
With a 25-yard touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield in the first quarter, Evans became just the 11th player in NFL history to reach 100 touchdown catches. This achievement tied him for ninth place on the all-time list alongside Hall of Famers Tim Brown and Steve Largent.
Evans nearly secured his 101st touchdown later in the second quarter but came away from the play injured. Following his trip to the locker room, it was confirmed that he wouldn’t return due to his hamstring issue.
In Week 5, Evans had a standout game against the Atlanta Falcons, where he not only caught his 100th career touchdown but also his 99th receiving TD, since he also has a career fumble recovery for a score.
Every one of Evans’ touchdowns has come with the Buccaneers, who extended his contract this offseason. According to NFL Research, Evans is the seventh player to achieve 100 or more receiving touchdowns with a single franchise.
Since being drafted seventh overall in 2014, Evans has consistently posted 1,000-yard receiving seasons. He initially set the record with seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start a career, and now he’s stretched that streak to 10, well on his way to 11.
After leading the NFL with 13 touchdown catches last season, Evans has now recorded six touchdowns in 2024, bringing his career total to 100
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