Mike Evans has not only been one of the most consistent players on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster but also one of the most pivotal leaders in the dressing room.
His absence is set to bring a period of confusion and waywardness to the team. Bucs fans recognize this and are preparing for the worst.
With Mike Evans Declared Out, Bucs Fans Lose All Hope
Evans started the game against the Baltimore Ravens with hamstring issues. The 31-year-old started the scoring with a touchdown. However, he got injured in the first quarter. After the MRI on Tuesday, Evans has been declared unfit and could miss several weeks of action.
“Per Sources, Bucs WR Mike Evans will be sidelined with his hamstring injury until after the team’s Week 11 bye. Anything sooner than a Week 12 return against the Giants is considered unlikely,” reported Sports Illustrated.
Per Sources, #Bucs WR Mike Evans will be sidelined with his hamstring injury until after the team’s Week 11 bye. Anything sooner than a Week 12 return against the Giants is considered unlikely.
— JC Allen (@JCAllenNFL) October 22, 2024
Some Bucs fans were beside themselves and declared that they had already given up on this season. “Oh yeah it’s so over, bring me Travis Hunter,” replied one fan on X (previously Twitter).
Oh yeah it’s so over, bring me Travis Hunter #WeAreTheKrewe https://t.co/tOpGXAEa5A pic.twitter.com/mseT4JSj95
— Tyler Beauchesne (@SensfleckTy) October 22, 2024
“Yeah I’m out,” replied another fan.
Some fans suggested the front office needs to get active before the trade deadline on November 5 and make some moves.
“This is heartbreaking. We need to go after Cooper Kupp! If we don’t then we are not serious about winning,” responded one fan.
“Put him on IR, elevate Rakim Jarrett, trade for Cooper Kupp,” another fan tweeted.
Put him on IR, elevate Rakim Jarrett, trade for Cooper Kupp.
— surfrenegade26 (@surfrenegade) October 22, 2024
Some fans expressed sadness that Evans will not be able to achieve another 1,000-yard season due to this injury. “Well there goes his 1k season,” tweeted one fan.
“Mike Evans 1K yard streak is likely over,” another fan added.
Mike Evans 1K yard streak is likely over.. 🙁 https://t.co/F8oqv5VPZ8 pic.twitter.com/xaMN9Y3QUd
— ً (@Racermf) October 22, 2024
Mike Evans’ Journey to 1,000+ Yards in Jeopardy
Evans is second on the list of wide receivers for the number of 1,000-plus-yard seasons, behind only the great Jerry Rice. However, Evans has one thing over Rice — the Bucs’ man achieved his 10-season record consecutively starting from his rookie season.
With this injury, Evans will be short of 665 yards on the path to chase Rice’s record of 14 seasons. If Evans gets fit from Week 12 onward, he will need 665 yards in seven games with an average of 95. This would certainly be tough but not impossible for the five-time Pro Bowler.