Mike Evans Reportedly Expected to Return to Bucs Practice Amid Hamstring Injury Rehab

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expecting wide receiver Mike Evans to resume practicing Thursday, according to the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud.

The six-time Pro Bowler has been sidelined since Week 3 due to a strained left hamstring. Through three appearances so far, he has 14 receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown.

Evans has been a model of consistency since the Bucs picked him in the 2014 NFL draft. He has yet to finish a season with fewer than 1,000 receiving yards, a streak of 11 years that's matched only by Hall of Famer Jerry Rice.

Thanks to the emergence of Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay's offense hasn't missed a beat without Evans on the field, though. Egbuka is fourth in the NFL in yardage (469) and fifth in yards per catch (17.4).

The first-rounder has already formed a dynamic connection with quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Emeka Egbuka's 2nd TD ⚔️

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As they prepare for a Week 7 meeting with the Detroit Lions, getting Evans back would obviously be a boost for the Buccaneers. They've had to lean on Sterling Shepard as their No. 2 aerial option since his injury, and Egbuka could be sidelined for next Monday night.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday the rookie is dealing with his own hamstring injury:

For as well as he's playing, Mayfield would have a hard time against Detroit if he's without both Egbuka and Evans.