The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had to navigate several key players getting injured, including the team’s top wideouts simultaneously being out. Still, the Bucs have battled to a 5-1 record, fully embracing the next-man-up mentality. Now, already one of the best teams in the league, Tampa Bay is starting to welcome back its injured stars.
On Thursday, the team welcomed elite receiver Mike Evans back to practice. The wideout has been out since injuring his hamstring in Week 3. The team was targeting a Week 7 return for Evans, and it seems like he’s on track.
Bucs Mike Evans returned to practice. pic.twitter.com/4ZAFi2Ombz
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) October 16, 2025
Mike Evans returns to practice for the Buccaneers
It’s not official, just yet, that Evans is suiting up in Week 7, but his return to practice on Thursday bodes well for a return to action since Tampa Bay plays on Monday this week. If the veteran wideout doesn’t have any setbacks, he should be available to help the Buccaneers in what’s expected to be a competitive game against the Detroit Lions.
Evans' return couldn’t have come at a better time, as wide receiver Chris Godwin and running back back Bucky Irving have both been sidelined. Additionally, rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka, who’s having a breakout season, sustained his own hamstring injury in Week 6. With all three still sidelined at Thursday’s practice, Evans’ presence will be huge for Baker Mayfield and the offense.
It’d be great if the Buccaneers had all of their key players for this primetime game against a 4-2 Lions team, but that’s not going to be the case. Regardless, Tampa Bay has shown this season that it knows how to win games. It doesn’t matter who the Bucs have on the field or who they’re facing off against; they’ll keep it close and find a way to win in the end. Now, Mike Evans will resume contributing to those wins.