NFL Rumors: Bucs' Mike Evans 'Planning to Play' vs. Giants After Hamstring Injury

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is "planning to play" in Sunday's game against the New York Giants, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Evans has been out of action since Tampa Bay's 41-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7 due to a hamstring injury.

The Bucs are riding a four-game losing streak, though they're still second in the NFC South at 4-6. Nine wins were enough to win the division last year and that could be the case again with the first-place Atlanta Falcons (6-5) failing to run away from the pack.

Tight end Cade Otton has stepped up in a big way, setting personal highs in catches (49) and yardage (456) already. Rachaad White's pass-catching ability out of the backfield has also been a nice luxury for the offense with Evans unavailable.

His return will be a boost to Tampa Bay's playoff hopes, but the five-time Pro Bowler was performing well below his usual standard when he got injured. He has 26 receptions for 335 yards and six touchdowns through seven games, his 47.9 yards per contest on pace to be a career low.

Still, having Evans at a little below his best is better than nothing when the Bucs are without Chris Godwin for the rest of the year after he dislocated his ankle in Week 7.