The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might have the top spot in the NFC South right now, but the team is far from a serious threat to win the Super Bowl in its current state. The club has dropped four of its last five games and has struggled to be consistent on both offense and defense throughout most of the season. All that being said, the Buccaneers control their own fate as the regular season draws to an end.
The team will play the Carolina Panthers (who have been nipping at their heels in recent weeks) twice before the end of the year. If they can manage to pull off victories against the Panthers, they could secure the NFC South division crown for the 5th year in a row. It’s going to be tough, but it looks like they might have some much-needed reinforcements to get the job done.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Activate Some Offensive Firepower Ahead of Week 15
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles and star quarterback Baker Mayfield might have some more toys to play with for their Thursday Night Football showdown against the Atlanta Falcons. On Wednesday, the Bucs announced that both Jalen McMillan and club icon Mike Evans were activated from the injured reserve. Although this does not guarantee either player will be dressed for the game on Thursday night, it could give the team some serious weapons as they look to close out the year.
Evans has been limited to only four games this season before breaking his collarbone against the Detroit Lions. In contrast, McMillan has yet to take the field this year after suffering a serious neck injury in the preseason. If one or both players can play against the Falcons, they could inject some life into the team’s struggling offense, which ranks 26th in the NFL according to PFSN’s Offense Impact.
Injuries have played a significant role in the Buccaneers’ struggles this year, but they are slowly getting the band back together ahead of their final playoff push. In recent weeks, we have seen both Bucky Irving and Chris Godwin Jr. return and step up for the club, something the team and its fans undoubtedly hope will be the case for Evans and McMillan.