The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might have a serious problem heading into Week 7 — and it’s centered around one of their biggest offensive weapons, Mike Evans.
Evans has been nursing a hamstring injury that’s kept everyone in Tampa on edge. While the early reports sounded promising — with coaches saying he was “progressing well” — the reality might not be as bright. Hamstring injuries can be sneaky; you feel good one day, then tweak it the next, especially when you’re dealing with a player who thrives on explosive plays and physical matchups.
For the Buccaneers, Evans isn’t just another wideout — he’s the heartbeat of their passing game. His chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield has been one of the few constants in an up-and-down season. Without him, the offense tends to stall, and defensive coordinators start licking their chops.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions are coming to town red-hot. Their defense has been flying around the field, shutting down running lanes and locking up wide receivers. If Evans isn’t 100%, that’s a massive advantage for Detroit’s secondary. Even if he suits up, there’s a good chance he won’t be operating at full speed — and that could limit Tampa’s offensive rhythm.
So while Buccaneers fans wait for official word, one thing’s clear: this injury situation could tilt the balance of Week 7 in a big way. If Evans can’t go — or if he’s just a decoy — the Lions might be feasting on both sides of the ball.
Mike Evans Injury Update: The One Big Problem Facing the Bucs Before Facing the Lions
