Protective layer mining is an effective measure for addressing gas-related hazards. After the extraction of the protective layer, the stress redistribution and evolution in the overlying coal and rock masses exert a significant influence on gas migration and pressure-relief storage within the goaf. Therefore, to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of strike- and incline-direction stresses during protective layer mining, this study investigates the stress distribution characteristics and laws throughout the lower protective seam extraction process. Based on the geological and mining conditions of the 864 working face in a mine located in Huaibei, a numerical model was established using FLAC3D to analyze the evolution of coal body stress along both strike- and incline-direction after protective layer mining. The simulation results indicate that the stress-relief zone in the X-direction is mainly distributed around the coal seam areas corresponding to the haulage and ventilation roadways, while the stress-relief zone in the Y-direction is primarily located near the crosscut and setup room, as well as ahead of the working face. After mining the protective layer, the protected seam exhibits a stress evolution pattern characterized by increasing vertical stress and decreasing horizontal stress.