Report: Mike Evans Out At Least Two Games
September 23rd, 2025
Will be a couple of weeks before we see this scene again.
The only positive spin Joe can put on this is that at least Mike Evans isn’t going on the injured reserve list.
The Bucs will be without their future Hall of Fame receiver for at least two games, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The MRI results from Evans’ exam show the hamstring injury is not as bad as the one he suffered last season when he missed three games.
Chris Godwin still has a chance to play Sunday. Yesterday, Bucs coach Todd Bowles said Godwin’s status (along with Tristan Wirfs’) would be determined by how well they practice this week.
For those who didn’t want the Bucs to draft Emeka Egbuka this past spring, if Godwin doesn’t play, Egbuka will be the Bucs’ No. 1 receiver.
The #Bucs play the #Eagles, #Seahawks and #49ers and Mike Evans will likely miss the first two and potentially the third. Chris Godwin could return as soon as this week, which helps. https://t.co/7NXID0PARO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2025
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:06 pm
Well that isn’t that bad all things considered.
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:07 pm
Enjoy Mike the rest of this season when he returns. He’s not getting any younger. Those hammy’s can’t last forever.
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:08 pm
Not terrible. Jason Licht has bouta whip out the I Told You So’s when buka gets OROTY
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:10 pm
Tez needs to get involved ASAP. He needs to catch Baker’s throws all week. Ryan Miller isn’t fast enough, and Kam has bricks for hands. K. Johnson could be potent but he needs to get the yips out and hit the jugs
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:11 pm
The streak is definitely in jeopardy. he only has like 120 yards in three games so far this year. he will need more than 800 in potentially 11 games. not that easy especially if we become a quick strike team given the o-line injuries
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:12 pm
Get well soon Mike. Time for Egbuka to SHINE =)
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:19 pm
Chris, I agree! That 1,000 yards for Mike this year seems to be a longshot. That’s ok. At least he tied Rice. The main focus now is getting healthy and winning ball games.
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:20 pm
I’m not sure anyone has mentioned it but last year when Evans and Godwin were out the Bucs were splitting Otton out as a quasi-wide receiver and he had some good games with multiple catches and some touchdowns.
An Eagle front four that applies pressure without much blitzing and has a beast in Jalen Carter clogging up running lanes will require some out of the box passing plays.
Ebola doesn’t play like a rookie and has the ability to be a star #1. Sharp is a true #3 but will be #2. The Bucs need an experienced and reliable pass catcher if Godwin doesn’t play. Otton is the guy which means if he goes out on patterns White needs more playing time to help out in the blocking.
Hopefully Godwin is 100% but if not Baker needs a 3rd option that can work against Philadelphia’s strong zone defense.
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:23 pm
I say give the rookie Tez Johnson a good look he was awesome in the preseason and Baker just over through a touchdown to the last game. You don’t catch 20 touchdowns at Oregon and not be good.
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:27 pm
Doesn’t sound too bad at all. Last season Mike got his 1,000 yards when people didn’t think he could get it. He will get 1,000 yards this season too. The team will make sure of it.
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:32 pm
I do not think Tez is the answer. Sure, Mayfield overthrew, but did you see how slow Tez looked trying to get there? he’s only fast in small bursts, not in a straight line down the field hence the horrendous combine performance. He’s slow and can’t block and tends to panic in the clutch.
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:33 pm
not worried one bit!!!!!!!
this could be a blessing….
philly really cant game plan for anything they’ve seen on film when it comes to the passing game…
EE2 and Shep17 will step up….Otton and Durham will step up….Bucky and R.white will be fed early and often…
continue to use the screens and draws to get those big DTs tired…
i think grizz will have buck and white in the backfield at the same often….i saw that a couple times vs the JETS…
GO BUCS!!!!!
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:33 pm
Is Culp ready? Might need his receiving ability Sunday
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:34 pm
Egbuka is the number one receiver even when Mike is healthy. Mike’s role is now as a short slant, red zone possession type. I havent seen him blow by a corner all year. When he returns he can settle into that role
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:34 pm
Tez and Tucker will be counted on for special teams….
Special teams owe us 1!!!!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!!
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:38 pm
This is a very good team with a lot of depth. The receiving corps and offensive line are getting well tested. The next four games are going to be brutal but after that, as the injured players start returning, they have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL the second half of the season. They could be poised to get better and better and really do something special this year.
That is my optimistic outlook.
They just have to try to make it to the break at 5–3
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:39 pm
ESPN is saying 3 to 4 weeks so it could be the next 4 games
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:40 pm
Run run run the ball ,, 45 carries for the boys ,,, team needs to hang in there until the Cavalry can get there
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:41 pm
The Bucs WR room is deep! Next man up!!! It’s time for the lower end of the room to step up, earn their pay, and make plays! Egbuka and Shepard have been playing well!! Get the run game and screens working! The Bucs can win this game. Control the clock, keep the Eagles offense out of the game!
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:42 pm
Correction… room not mom lol
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:44 pm
The scar tissue on his hamstrings has got to be nasty!
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:45 pm
Culp has 41 regular season snaps and has gone out on routes on 24 of them. He was targeted on 6 of those 24 routes. He was not a prolific receiver at University of Washington either under 2 receptions per game.
While he might have good measurables — most 7th rounders do not work out.
Not sure why there is this base of fans that think he can be a good receiving TE in the NFL based upon 5 receptions from last year. There is a lot more to the game than measurables. I am guessing that he actually caught some of those passes as a surprise to the defense and there was no film on him. I’d hate for Baker to be looking in his direction as either a primary or secondary receiver.
Personally, I like Egbuka, Shephard, Otton, Tez, and Miller as options over him for this week as passing options.
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:45 pm
Be nice to have him back for the 49ers game and Goedeke back the next week vs Lions?
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:47 pm
Maybe Garrett Greene will get tapped to the 53
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:49 pm
Above post called Sterling Sheppard, “Sharp”, my bad.
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:50 pm
When we drafted Emeka Egbuka, it was a sad/harsh reminder that Mike Evans’ days were numbered. The average NFL player doesn’t retire because they want to — they retire because they have to. After years of physical punishment, their bodies just can’t take it anymore.
We have to Enjoy Mike Evans while we still can, fellow Bucs fans. This might be his final season — and if not, the reality is he’s only got a few more left.
He’s the greatest wide receiver in Buccaneers history — and it’s not even close right now….
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:53 pm
Anyone saying Mike won’t get there if he plays another 11 games this season should be drawn and quartered. That’s disrespectful to Mike. And it’s disrespectful to Baker. We’re the best team in the league and have plenty of skill players to cover. By the time Mike gets back we should be getting the offense on track and 8 solid games should be all it takes to get Mike there. heyjude has better feel for this team than most of us. Thanks heyjude!
September 23rd, 2025 at 12:58 pm
When is JMac coming back?
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:04 pm
I just want to know why??? Every year this happens to M1K3, or it seems like it, What is the training staff doing, or not doing? We have so many injuries on this team now, and it’s only week 4!!! Go Bucs!!! Everyone Please get Healthy!!!
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:09 pm
We sure do need ME 13, but CG 14, EE 2, SS 17, BI 7, and RW 1 will carry on. I wanted to ask the same question as Baking with Grizz, what’s up with J Mac ?
Go Bucs Beat the Eagles!!
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:18 pm
eoschwartz
More concerned with you calling Emeka “ Ebola”… damn.
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:21 pm
ESPN is reporting Mike will be out 3-4 weeks…hope they are wrong
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:22 pm
Maybe NO will return Trey Palmer. He’s yet to play a snap there.
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:23 pm
I don’t understand why they don’t give Tucker any Carries
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:26 pm
Better than basing it off of hope.
Culp was on fire first couple of weeks of training camp. Then he got dinged up and didn’t do anything after that but drop passes.
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:26 pm
Looking ahead, to when games really, really count, we finish the season with these 6 games:
Arizona
New Orleans
Atlanta
at Carolina
at Miami
Carolina
Optimism abounds.
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:26 pm
He can still do go routes.
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:27 pm
in 2-3 weeks when he comes back Godwin will be injured again so this odd dream of three good wrs will never be on the field together
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:29 pm
Lighten up on the age thing. Mike is not old, even for a wideout. Jerry Rice had over 1200 yards receiving at age 40 (16 games, not 17). If Jerry could do it at 40, there’s no reason Mike can’t be productive until he’s 37-38.
When he was younger, he simply pulled a hammy.
Now, however, many attribute that same ongoing career problem to age.
Also, stop with the trades. In 2024, during the season, there were only 19 trades, and one, count em’—1, involved a player for a player. The rest were draft choices in exchange for a player.
So trading this guy for that guy simply ain’t gonna happen.
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:40 pm
Mike has either had the shutdown corner assigned to him, or been double-covered, or both, which is one reason for EE’s success
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:40 pm
The defense will slow down Barkley and if we take away the underneath stuff we can hold the Eggles to 20. I’ll bet on Baker every time particularly if Wirfs and Godwin play. Btw Joe isn’t it time to update this forum? I’ve been visiting since like 2016 and it’s pretty much the same. I’m guessing most of your contributors are plus 50.
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:44 pm
Jmac will be back in a few weeks also
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:49 pm
Sure wish McMillan wasn’t sacrificed in preseason
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:52 pm
TRX sure looked plenty fast enough to separate himself 10 yards from the Jet’s secondary on that fly route that Baker over threw him on
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:53 pm
Tez
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:56 pm
Man it seems like every time we get closer to full strength something else happens to stop it. This madness with injuries needs to STOP.
It’s great we are 3-0 as the walking wounded but sure would be nice to see sharp full-team football again! We need our starters back!
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:58 pm
The only time the Bucs will be fully healthy will be on Madden
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:58 pm
Sure Joe, I like underwear football about as much as you.
And thanks for added context. Neither coaches nor the QB are going back to players who drop passes. So, there is that.
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:58 pm
A cull go route on the edge of the zone could shock a couple teams.
September 23rd, 2025 at 2:02 pm
Tez has been in the games, they just don’t throw to him, no screens or nothing, not counting the overthrow by baker. They have to get the ball in his hands and get him involved.
September 23rd, 2025 at 2:05 pm
Long time Bucs fans can sense the imminent losing streak coming.
September 23rd, 2025 at 2:13 pm
Jeff, you have predicted that the Bucs would lose every game so far this season. Oh, kinda did the same last season too.
Who pissed in your Cheerios?
September 23rd, 2025 at 2:19 pm
Time to get Culp active.
Similar size and speed to Evans. Would be a mismatch for line backers.
If we get Wirfs back we will need to rely less on Durham or Kieft as blockers.
September 23rd, 2025 at 2:20 pm
Hope you heal quickly M1k3!
September 23rd, 2025 at 2:40 pm
Some forget that the passing game is operating with a pass protect unit consisting of two out of position dudes and theee barmaids. It would be reckless to be trying to pass block for Baker for long enough to get off the bomb to Mikey. Which is also why the TEs aren’t out in the pattern much.
As far as anyone expecting Tezette to do anything, LOL. He dropped a can of corn in game 1 and hasn’t touched a ball since. Forget about Kam Johnson.
Got to be lots of two back sets with EE, Shep and Miller for any hope of explosives, insert a TE for Miller at times. EE and Shep will need to play every snap especially to have any chance at the 40 burger they’re gonna need to cover for Mr Soft Shell Turtle.
September 23rd, 2025 at 2:41 pm
“eoschwartz Says: Ebola….”
Ebola? Really? lol….geez the nicknames ya’ll come up with
September 23rd, 2025 at 2:47 pm
“IrishTony Says:
September 23rd, 2025 at 1:40 pm
Btw Joe isn’t it time to update this forum? I’ve been visiting since like 2016 and it’s pretty much the same. I’m guessing most of your contributors are plus 50.”
Is Joe going to offer a retirement plan!!??
September 23rd, 2025 at 2:53 pm
when Mike didnt finish his route, I said, “he’ll be out 4 games”
if EE2 goes down, we’re screwed lol….
GO BUCS!!!!
September 23rd, 2025 at 2:56 pm
“I do not think Tez is the answer. Sure, Mayfield overthrew, but did you see how slow Tez looked trying to get there? ”
Big bake fan but He’s practiced with Tez for weeks so knows his speed . Tez did his job and beat his men by a good margin. Bake simply miss threw and you could see he realized it was all on him from his reaction when the camera cut to Him.
September 23rd, 2025 at 3:01 pm
Tezzette would have dropped it anyway.
September 23rd, 2025 at 3:02 pm
Egbuka should be the #1 even if Godwin returns. Thank God for the foresight of Licht and Sterling Shepherd
September 23rd, 2025 at 3:08 pm
Geno711…Jeff never answers anyone over his foolish comments.
September 23rd, 2025 at 3:21 pm
Please dont rush Godwin back. Buka, Shephard and Miller are still there (Tez too)….Bucky and White for check downs, plus our TE’s.
Thats why we drafted WR so high. I knew Godwin would need some time and Evans might go down with an injury. Oh well, next men up….Heal up Big Mike!
September 23rd, 2025 at 3:40 pm
Why are people talking about Culp? Good receiving TE but a slow WR. They have Egbuka, Shepherd, Miller, TEZ, KAM, Otton.
Plus, Godwin will be back this week or next.
The problem with Culp is he can’t block and with the offensive line the way it is they need to help Heck at RT, a lot
September 23rd, 2025 at 3:56 pm
No surprise here. Mike out now is better than later. Maybe just maybe by the 3/4 mark of the season we’ll be full strength 🤞🏼
Next man up – like coach and the players preach.
Definitely like to see Tez get some short to intermediate work. And Grizz needs to get some TE touches. We still have weapons – up to Grizz to put together some creative game plans.
September 23rd, 2025 at 7:15 pm
I keep seeing that Marvin Harrison Jr isn’t working out in Arizona. @JoeBucsFan maybe you could see if Licht has any interest in making a phone call to them…
September 23rd, 2025 at 7:39 pm
The 49ers have about as many injuries as the Buccaneers and maybe starting a third string quarterback this week. The Eagles have been living on the edge. It came ever so close to losing to Dallas and but for a block kick would have lost to the Rams who blew an 18-point lead. This is not the same Eagles team that ran over the league last year. This game is winnable even with all of our injuries.
September 23rd, 2025 at 8:05 pm
With all due respect to CG, a player I really enjoy watching, EE is the #1 WR this week!!! There is no “rookie” about him. He will be the best WR on the field next week.
CG will need some time to regain his timing and his rebuilt ankle. EE will be fine. IF CG can even be EE’s #2 as well as EE has been for Mike the Bucs will be fine.
September 23rd, 2025 at 8:06 pm
The rash of injuries makes me worry the team
might stress special teams and development players too much when selecting backups. The Bucs have called up three or so practice squad offensive linemen before allowing the backup LT to play, and now they may be depending on a couple of punt returners as outside receivers.
September 23rd, 2025 at 8:42 pm
Big Mike is already heading for Canton. Best offensive player in Bucs history. He’s frustrated with the hammy popping cos he sees the trio of himself, CG14, and EE2 playing together at the same time, Best Offensive Trio in Bucs history, and I don’t say that in jest. That lineup is a defensive coordinator’s nightmare. Wirfs coming back will be HUGE! It will free up the RBs and TEs to help out with the passing game. He starts and 4-0 will look more and more possible, refs and all. I think CG14 will be out one more week, but that’s just me. Let’s go, Bucs, 4-0!! Hey Joe, what’s with the smart aleck remarks about this site and geriatric fans? Sure got some stupids on here!
September 23rd, 2025 at 11:24 pm
streak over