Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans returned to practice less than two months after suffering a serious collarbone injury, but he’ll need more time before he’s ready to see game action. According to head coach Todd Bowles, the future Hall of Famer will not play in the team’s Week 14 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. So far on the season, Evans has appeared in four games while recording 14 receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown.
Mike Evans Injury Update: Buccaneers WR Set to Return to Practice
Quite frankly, this Mike Evans injury update isn’t too surprising. The wide receiver originally suffered his collarbone injury on October 20th, and asking him to return in less than two months is probably asking too much. Bowles also said that Evans and former third-round pick Jalen McMillan “have a little ways to go before playing.” This suggests the wide receiver may not play until the playoffs, or slightly earlier if the team cannot lock down the NFC South. Even though they began the season with a comfortable lead in the division, they are now fighting for their playoff lives as they enter the final month of the 2025 season.
As of this posting, the Buccaneers are a half-game ahead of the Carolina Panthers in the NFC South. Tampa Bay closes out its season with two games against the Panthers, one contest against the Saints, and one game against the Miami Dolphins. The Panthers, meanwhile, have the bye week this week and return to play the Saints, Seattle Seahawks, and Buccaneers twice. If Tampa Bay can lock up the division without Evans, they’ll probably rest him until the playoffs. However, if Carolina continues to win games, Evans could make his return in Week 15 of 16. Jalen McMillan, meanwhile, will probably see the field as soon as physically possible.
Main Photo: Kim Klement-Neitzel – Imagn Images
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