Mike Evans replacements: 5 WRs fantasy football managers should target feat. Cooper Kupp

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans has suffered yet another hamstring injury. He left Sunday's game against the New York Jets with a 'mild to moderate' hamstring strain.

Evans is expected to miss two or three games, which will hurt quarterback Baker Mayfield and the team's passing game. Evans' absence is also expected to impact fantasy managers.

Here's a look at five players who fantasy owners can target to replace Evans while he is out:

#1 Cooper Kupp

San Francisco 49ers v Seattle Seahawks - Source: Getty

Kupp signed a free agent deal with Seattle, looking to be the team's No. 1 or No. 2 wideout.

Through three weeks, he's become the clear No. 2 option for Sam Darnold, totaling 11 catches for 136 yards on 15 targets. Kupp is second in the team in three of those categories.

Kupp isn't what he once was, and if you have a solid running back, tight end, or backup quarterback, you might be able to land him via trade for cheap.

#2 Brian Thomas Jr.

Carolina Panthers v Jacksonville Jaguars - NFL 2025 - Source: Getty

Through three games this season, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr appears to be having a sophomore slump.

After a historic rookie season in which he set franchise records, Thomas' playmaking ability seems to have disappeared early on in 2025. He only has seven catches for 115 yards and no scores. But worse than the numbers are his drops. He's among the leaders in drops and hasn't played like he did a season ago.

With Thomas playing poorly, he could become an option to replace Evans via trade in fantasy.

#3 Troy Franklin

Denver Broncos v Los Angeles Chargers - Source: Getty

Troy Franklin is another wide receiver who is likely on the waiver wire. He is emerging as the Broncos' No. 2 pass catcher.

Franklin is second in the team in receptions (14), targets (19), and receiving yards (141). He has had at least four catches and 44 yards in two of the first three games this season.

Franklin could have a standout sophomore season as he looks forward to building on his success with quarterback Bo Nix.

#4 Christian Kirk

Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Source: Getty

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk made his season debut this past Sunday vs. his former team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played the second-most offensive snaps (66.7%) and was targeted (8) the second-most out of any pass catcher.

Kirk is a receiver who is very likely on the waiver wire. He could emerge as the Texans' WR2, and he could put up some solid numbers if quarterback C.J. Stroud flips things around.

#5 Romeo Doubs

NFL: SEP 21 Packers at Browns - Source: Getty

The Green Bay Packers have a committee of wide receivers. Doubs has been a solid receiver, recording at least 40 catches, 600 yards, and four touchdowns in each of the last two seasons.

This season, Doubs has only seven catches for 121 yards and a touchdown in three games. Averaging 17.3 yards per catch, Doubs has shown he's still a deep threat, and he could easily go over 10 fantasy points with two or three big catches in a game.

He could be a pickup on the waiver wire to replace Mike Evans.