Photo by Kendall Bulkiewicz | The Crow’s Nest
By Kendall Bulkiewicz
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have wide receiver Mike Evans back in Week 12.
Evans returned to practice on Nov. 20 and is looking to play Sunday against the New York Giants.
Evans has been inactive since Week 7 when he pulled a hamstring during a loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Head coach Todd Bowles called the injury “moderate” at Wednesday’s practice. Evans missed the last three games against the Falcons, Chiefs and 49ers but avoided injured reserve, so he’s ready to go as soon as he feels he is ready.
The 31-year-old has totaled 26 receptions on 45 targets for 335 yards and six touchdowns in seven games this season. During the Ravens game, Evans not only was able to walk off the field under his own power, but also reached a career milestone, becoming the 11th player in NFL history to score 100 receiving touchdowns and only the fifth to do so with a single franchise.
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield also sounded optimistic about Evans’ progress.
“From what I can see, he is good,” Mayfield said after Evans took part in Wednesday’s practice on a limited basis. “Just talking to him, he seems really positive about it. Mike’s a pro. He’s going to do everything he can to get back out there with us and fight for this team as we take it one game at a time.”
Tampa Bay is seeking to break a three-game losing streak at 4-6, even though they are holding on to second place in the NFC South standings.
Evans’ return could provide a much-needed boost to the offense, especially after losing fellow wide receiver Chris Godwin to a season-ending ankle injury in the same Week 7 matchup.
