Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans hasn’t played a lot this season.
He has been banged up throughout the season with various injuries and hasn’t played since Oct. 20, when he suffered a fractured clavicle against the Detroit Lions. He was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 22.
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Evans returned to practice this week, opening up a 21-day window for him to return. He can be activated off injured reserve at any time and won’t count against the 53-man roster limit until he gets activated.
Despite returning to practice this week, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles told reporters on Friday that Evans won’t play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Bowles also confirmed that fellow wideout Jalen McMillan won’t play.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13)Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Evans has only played in four games this season, compiling 14 receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown. If he can come back, it would be a big boost to the Bucs’ offense.
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The Buccaneers are 7-5 and just ahead of the Carolina Panthers (7-6) for first place in the NFC South. The division will likely come down to the final few games of the season since the Bucs will play the Panthers in two of their last three games.
The first one will be in Carolina on Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. ET, while the second will be in Tampa Bay on Jan. 4. No set time has been announced for that game. if the division title is on the line, there’s a chance it could be on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” to end the regular season.
Related: Mike Evans’ Foundation Announces ‘Emotional’ News After Injury
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.