The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are close to getting wide receiver Mike Evans back after a lengthy absence.
Evans sustained a broken clavicle back in Week 7 that has kept him on injured reserve ever since.
However, Evans was designated to return from injured reserve in Week 14 and turned in three limited practices, which shows Evans is moving in the right direction.
Here’s what we know about his status for Week 14 and beyond.
Is Mike Evans playing today?
No, Evans won’t be suiting up in Week 14 against the New Orleans Saints.
Despite turning in those three limited practice, Evans was ruled out by the Buccaneers on Friday.
Mike Evans return timeline
Return timeline: Week 15 or 16
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Evans has a chance to play in Week 15 versus the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night, but if not it’s realistic to expect Evans to return in Week 16 against the Carolina Panthers.
“Buccaneers’ wide receiver Mike Evans has been pushing to play as soon as Thursday night vs. the Falcons as he works himself back into football shape from the broken clavicle he suffered earlier this season,” Schefter reported.
“There’s a chance he will play then and if not, then the Sunday, Dec. 21 game at Carolina would be realistic,” Schefter added.
Evans isn’t the only reinforcement the Bucs are close to getting at wide receiver, as fellow wideout Jalen McMillan has also returned to practice after being on the shelf all season due to a neck injury suffered in the preseason.
McMillan is out for Week 14, though.
The next updates for Evans and McMillan will come on Monday, when the Bucs drop their first injury report of the week.
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