When Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans missed three games with a hamstring injury earlier this season, it looked like he might not have a chance at extending his streak of seasons with 1,000 receiving yards but he’s within range heading into Week 18.
Evans had 97 yards in Sunday’s 48-14 win over the Panthers and heads into the finale with 915 receiving yards. If he can get 85 yards against the Saints, Evans will have hit the milestone in all 11 of his professional seasons and quarterback Baker Mayfield said the team will head into the game knowing what’s at stake.
“Obviously Mike’s a huge part of this offense and the record is pretty important for us to get — for him to achieve it but for us to make sure it happens,” Mayfield said in his postgame press conference. “Having it right there in front of us and not having to force things. When he’s in the game, he’s a huge part of that and he creates the explosive plays in the passing game. Looking forward to seeing what happens next week.”
The Bucs will win the NFC South with a win and a Falcons loss in either of their final two games, so there’s plenty at stake on the team level. The good news for the Bucs is that feeding Evans has generally been a good way to earn victories over the course of his time in Tampa.
