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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans entered 2024 and immediately dominated in Week 1 with 23.10 PPR fantasy points, catching 5 passes for 61 yards and two touchdowns. However, he cooled off significantly afterward, failing to break 10 PPR fantasy points in Weeks 2-3.
He's been outshined by fellow Bucs WR Chris Godwin, who's been one of the best receivers in all of fantasy over the first three contests. Evans has been lapped by Godwin in targets, yards, and touchdowns. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield has shown a clear preference to target Godwin in their new offense.
In addition, Evans popped up on the injury report on Wednesday with a knee injury. Is Mike Evans still hurt or healthy? Will Mike Evans play in Week 4 against the Eagles? Let's dive in.
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Mike Evans Injury Update for Fantasy Football
Evans was included in the injury report Wednesday with a knee issue. There weren't more details beyond this, but it's not thought to be serious. Like Godwin, it's likely this is just a veteran's rest day for Evans, and at age 31, it makes sense to give him more time to recover from game days as his career goes on.
16 Bucs players on the injury report. Vita Vea, Luke Goedeke, Tristan Wirfs, Graham Barton, Mike Evans, Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin, Logan Hall all were limited in practice Wed. https://t.co/kQ7GGGdBJA
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) September 25, 2024
No news is good news, but so is not very much news. There's not very much news on Evans' injury and no indications that it's major or will lead to missed time. For now, it's not much to worry about.
Mike Evans Fantasy Football Outlook
Evans is a future Hall Of Fame receiver in all likelihood. He's a must-start. There comes a point in every receiver's career, though where production inevitably starts to decline. Evens is still playing at a high level, but the statistical dip over the past two weeks has fantasy managers slightly concerned.
Baker gets spooked way too easily, here. He would’ve had Mike Evans open for a big gain if he just stayed patient. pic.twitter.com/ezXDUg1LnG
— Evan Winter (@evan_AtoZ) September 24, 2024
As always, the devil's in the details. Mayfield seems to prefer to throw it against the softer competition Godwin faces and didn't look Evans' way often when was covered by Denver Broncos All-Pro CB Pat Surtain. Additionally, as you can see from the clip above, there were missed opportunities for more Evans plays.
Mayfield isn't a perfect quarterback, and though he played well last season, there are elements of his game that leave a lot to be desired. The offense seems to make it much easier for Mayfield to get the ball to Godwin. Mayfield had no problem targeting Evans often last year.
The Detroit Lions, who the Buccaneers played in Week 2, have a poor pass defense, and Evans didn't have a big performance against them either. It's not like Surtain covered Evans on every play in Week 3 either. Evans owners may need to be patient as Mayfield adjusts to the new offense.
It's unlikely Evans keeps doing this poorly fantasy-wise. Look for the Bucs to work to get Evans more involved in the coming weeks and don't feel bad about starting him.
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