Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is expected to be sidelined multiple weeks with a hamstring injury, multiple media outlets reported on Tuesday.
An MRI revealed a mild-to-moderate strain for Evans, who is expected to miss at least two weeks and potentially a third, per NFL Network. Should that be the case, Evans will sit out Tampa Bay’s games against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles (Sunday), at the Seattle Seahawks (Oct. 5) and visiting San Francisco 49ers (Oct. 12).
While Evans is expected to miss time, fellow wideout Chris Godwin could return for the Bucs (3-0) in their Week 4 game against the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles (3-0). Godwin has been sidelined since badly dislocating his ankle in Week 7 of last season.
Evans sustained his injury during the fourth quarter of this past Sunday’s 29-27 victory over the New York Jets.
He came up lame after an incomplete pass in his direction with 6:22 remaining and hobbled off the field. He tossed his helmet aside and knocked over a cooler in frustration while on his way to the locker room.
Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said initial tests showed a “low grade” hamstring injury.
Evans, 32, missed three games with a hamstring injury last season and has a history of hamstring ailments during his 12-year career.
He had just four catches for 33 yards against the Jets but did grab his 106th career touchdown reception. He stands ninth in NFL history.
The six-time Pro Bowler is the lone receiver in NFL history to begin a career with 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons. He is also tied with the legendary Jerry Rice (1986-96) for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons at any point of a career.
Evans has just 140 receiving yards through three games so an extended absence could put the streak in jeopardy.
But last season, Evans had just 335 yards in seven games when he when he sidelined. He returned to action in late November for Tampa Bay’s 11th game and racked up 669 yards in seven games to end the regular season with 1,004.