Want a quick stat that is sure to both depress you but also higlight a franchise legend?
Since 2022, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-9 without future Hall of Famer Mike Evans on the field, and this season is no different. Evans played three games in September before a hamstring injury sidelined him for a month. During his return in October, he broke his clavicle in the first half and has been out ever since. Starting that week, the Bucs are 1-4 and losers of three straight.
What's the problem here? Can the offense not function without the elite receiver? Well, other key players have been out with injuries, especially receivers. Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and running back Bucky Irving have missed big chunks of time due to injury, so that plays a big role. Either way, Evans' absence has caused a massive headache that the Bucs haven't recovered from.
Evans enjoyed Pro Bowl appearances the last two seasons, but his target share went down. Godwin and McMillan began receiving more targets, and it seemed the veterans' role was dwindling. Despite injury and the second-lowest target percentage of his career, Evans still produced 1,000 yards in just 14 games, and the Bucs were 10-4.
Mike Evans' return could spark a comeback amidst ailing Tampa Bay season
Tampa Bay finished 0-3 in games Evans didn’t play in last season, and Baker averaged 208 yards per game, which includes a historically poor 105-yard performance. In the 14 games Evans played, Mayfield averaged 276 passing yards per game.
Even with the emergence of Emeka Eguka this season, the Bucs severely miss their reliable pass catcher. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that he'll return anytime soon. USA Today reported if everything goes perfectly, Week 15 on Thursday Night Football against the Falcons would be the earliest Evans could return, but that might be pushing it.
If the healing process goes well, Evans likely won't need much time to get back into football form. The longtime Buccaneer has dealt with plenty of injuries throughout his career, particularly within the last four seasons, and is accustomed to returning quickly.
Looking forward, it's nearly impossible to replace Evans' level of production, but Tampa Bay will have to try. Emeka Egbuka's emergence is exciting, but he's cooled off over the last five weeks. Even if Evans' target share has dwindled to just seven per game, he's still a massive asset the Bucs would lose this offseason if he chose to retire.
The 32-year-old veteran is a sure-fire Hall of Fame inductee, and the team has relied on him heavily throughout his career. Evans leads Tampa Bay's all-time receiver list in games, receptions, yards, and many other stats. If he doesn't heal quickly, the Bucs may be in danger this postseason, if they make it.