Mike Evans has been an ironman of sorts for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the past decade.
Evans has appeared in a minimum of 13 games every single season for the Bucs over the past 11 yards. He also eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons in Tampa Bay.
Both of those streaks came to an end this season though, as Evans has been limited to just seven games and 334 receiving yards due to injury issues including a concussion, broken collarbone and hamstring strain.
But, while Evans’ missed time this season was a bummer, it could ultimately work to extend his career. Evans is on the last year of his current contract and retirement rumors are swirling, but the extended stint on the sideline made Evans realize just how much he’ll miss the game when it does ultimately call it a career.
"It's kind of a blessing in disguise," Evans said of the missed time. "I missed the game more than I thought I would. And I come back and I still got the love for the game. And who knows what it'll do for me in the future?"
Evans has been noncommittal about his future beyond the current campaign, but he did seemingly leave the door open for a potential return this week.
"Someone was just thanking me for all I've done, and kind of just writing me off like I'm done after this one," Evans said of his future. "I don't know, we'll see... [Coming back] it’s always a possibility."
These two quotes from Evans are enough to at least gives Bucs fans a bit of hope regarding his future, as many fans aren’t excited about the prospect of the best receiver in franchise history hanging up his cleats.
More NFL news:
- Jets projected to steal offensive star away from Cowboys in free agency
- Matthew Stafford shoulders blame for Rams' loss to Falcons on Monday night
- Cowboys listed as ideal landing spot for veteran running back in free agency