Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans could be among the next players to sign a big contract, one NFL writer predicted.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may finally be getting their No. 1 receiver back.
After missing seven games with a broken collarbone, wide receiver Mike Evans appears to be trending toward a potential return for Thursday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons.
Reports from Bucs Wire and FOX Sports indicate that Evans has now logged four consecutive limited practices.
Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed Monday that the veteran wideout is “in play” to return this week.
“Short week, but they did not play Sunday, so we will continue to work them in and we will see where we are on Wednesday,” Bowles said of Evans and Tristan Wirfs.
FOX’s Greg Auman also reported Evans practiced in a limited capacity Monday, further fueling optimism that he could play on Thursday.
There is a significant chance the struggling Bucs could regain one of its most important playmakers at a critical point in the season.
Mike Evans Nearing Return
Evans suffered a broken clavicle in Week 7 and has been out ever since, ending his quest for a 12th straight 1,000-yard season.
He opened his 21-day practice window last week and turned in three limited sessions before ultimately being ruled out for Week 14.
The Buccaneers initially faced concerns about whether the short turnaround for Thursday would limit his availability.
However, Bowles’ latest comments suggest the door is wide open.
This week’s matchup with Atlanta is one of Tampa Bay’s most important games of the year.
A wild-card berth is unlikely in a stacked NFC.
This leaves the NFC South title as Tampa Bay’s only path to the postseason.
Winning Thursday against the Falcons is the first major step to that goal.
Having Evans available, even in a limited capacity, would dramatically shift the offensive outlook in a must-win division battle.
If Evans logs a full practice on Wednesday, it would be very likely that he would play.
What Evans’ Return Means for Tampa Bay’s Offense
Sunday’s loss to the Saints highlighted just how desperately the Buccaneers need Evans back.
Tampa Bay has now dropped four of its last five and five of its last seven.
Their offense has been dreadful in that stretch.
Over their last three games, the Bucs are averaging just 15.67 points per game.
The good news is that Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving are now back in action, and Evans represents the final piece in restoring the Bucs’ passing game to full strength.
Jalen McMillan is also trending upward and could return soon, giving Baker Mayfield his most complete receiving corps all season.
Evans holds just 14 receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown this season, but the numbers don’t reflect his role.
His size, red-zone presence, and ability to draw top defenders fundamentally alter how defenses play Tampa Bay.
His return would tremendously free up the struggling rookie Emeka Egbuka.
If Evans plays on Thursday, it will be interesting to see how much he is used.
The expectation is that he would be eased back in.
However, with the Bucs right in the heart of the divisional race with no room to spare, he may be thrown right into the fire.
If Evans plays Thursday, he will be in an extremely favorable matchup against a Falcons.
This is a secondary that has allowed the 10th most fantasy points to WR’s.
We will keep monitoring the Evans news on Wednesday and Thursday, but there are certainly many signs that point to his return on TNF.
More Heavy on Buccaneers
Loading more stories