The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have battled injury after injury at the wide receiver position, but none have been more impactful than Mike Evans. The ageless wonder finally slowed down in 2025, as a hamstring and collarbone injury limited him to just four games, 14 receptions, 140 yards, and one touchdown on the season. While this hasn’t been an ideal campaign for him by any stretch of the imagination, he could return to help Tampa Bay secure the NFC South and go on a playoff run.
According to head coach Todd Bowles, Evans could return to practice this week. While Bowles didn’t give a more specific timeframe than that, it’s safe to assume the future Hall of Famer will return to the field before long. The only question is when he will make his long-awaited return.
Mike Evans Injury Update: Buccaneers WR Set to Return to Practice
Even if Mike Evans practices this week, it’s safe to assume his collarbone injury will keep him sidelined for at least another week or two. Evans 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.
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 Dolphins. The Panthers, meanwhile, have the bye week this week and return to play the Saints, 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 16 or 17.
Main Photo: Kim Klement-Neitzel – Imagn Images
