Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans missed most of the past two months with a collarbone injury, but the future Hall of Famer will suit up for a crucial divisional showdown against the Atlanta Falcons. After returning to practice over a week ago, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Evans and third-round pick Jalen McMillan will return to the field as the Buccaneers fight for a playoff spot.
Mike Evans Injury Update: Buccaneers Star WR To Play on Thursday Night Football
Evans’ return comes at a perfect time for Tampa Bay, as the team finds itself fighting for a spot in the playoffs. After starting the year hot, the Buccaneers lost four of their past five games and find themselves tied with the Carolina Panthers for the NFC South lead. These teams face each other twice in the next four weeks, and it’s anyone’s guess as to who will claim the divisional crown at the end of the season.
The 2025 season has been one to forget for Mike Evans, as the veteran wide receiver has struggled to beat the injury bug. In addition to the collarbone injury, Evans also suffered a hamstring injury in late September. In total, Evans has played in just four games, hauling in 14 receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown. Barring something completely unexpected, this will be the first season of his career where he fails to record at least 100 receiving yards.
Evans and McMillan join a Buccaneers roster that has battled injury all year long. Chris Godwin missed a sizable chunk of the season, while first-round pick Emeka Egbuka has slowed down after a promising start to his career. With quarterback Baker Mayfield seemingly fighting through an ailment of his own, this team will need Evans to make life easier for his quarterback.
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck – Imagn Images
