The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are playing it by ear in regards to the return of Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans from an injured hamstring.
Mike Evans’ recovery from a hamstring injury is progressing positively. Prior to the bye week, head coach Todd Bowles emphasized the importance of evaluating Evans’ practice performance after a period of rest. According to quarterback Baker Mayfield, Evans looked “good” in practice, indicating he’s trending in the right direction.
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However, whether Evans will be ready to face the New York Giants remains uncertain, with offensive coordinator Liam Coen expressing hesitation about his availability for the upcoming game at MetLife Stadium.
“We just don’t know what his true availability will be,” Coen stated. “If he is [playing], obviously, we’ll gain some attention from the defense and understand maybe we get played a little bit similar to how people were playing us when he was going. So it’s something we just need to be ready for, have a plan for. Love him if he’s in there, and obviously we want to be able to get him going, that would be fantastic, but the guys are also ready to go if not.”
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So in essence, the Bucs have two plans here. One with Evans, and one with “the guys.”
Although the Buccaneers’ offense has held its own without Mike Evans, his return will be pivotal in the team’s quest to rejoin the playoff conversation. As the Atlanta Falcons currently lead the NFC South, the Buccaneers need all the firepower they can get to stay competitive, making Evans’ impending return a welcome boost.
The Buccaneers’ upcoming schedule presents an opportunity to regain momentum, starting with winnable matchups against the 2-8 New York Giants and 3-7 Carolina Panthers. A four-game losing streak has left the team seeking a spark, and a pair of victories could provide the necessary catalyst. However, in their eagerness to rebound, the Buccaneers must resist the temptation to rush Mike Evans back onto the field. Given his crucial role in the offense, exercising caution with his recovery is paramount, as a premature return could ultimately prove detrimental to the franchise’s long-term interests.
The outlook for Mike Evans’ potential return against the Giants is increasingly optimistic. However, the next few days will be crucial in determining not only whether Evans will play but also the extent of his involvement.
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