Report: Evans could return before end of regular season

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans won't play Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, but he has a chance to return during the regular season, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

Evans' hamstring injury isn't severe and he's considered week-to-week, added Fowler.

With fellow Pro Bowl wideout Chris Godwin out for the season with a torn ACL, the Buccaneers' passing attack will run through Evans once he returns as they attempt to defend their Super Bowl title.

Tampa Bay will also get a boost Sunday with the return of Antonio Brown from suspension.

Evans is first on the team in touchdown receptions (11), second in receiving yards (899), and third in catches (64).

Tampa Bay can clinch the NFC South with a win or a tie over the Panthers, or with a New Orleans Saints lose or tie versus the Miami Dolphins on Monday.