With five weeks remaining in the NFL season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold a 7-5 record and a narrow lead atop the NFC South. Carolina sits just one game back, and with two matchups between the teams still ahead, the standings could shift quickly.
For Tampa Bay, having everyone available will matter, especially Mike Evans, whose latest injury status was addressed by head coach Todd Bowles following Friday’s practice.
What Is the Latest on Mike Evans?
In Week 7, during Monday Night Football against the Detroit Lions, Mike Evans went up for a deep pass but couldn’t hold on, crashing to the ground hard on both his shoulder and head. He stayed down in pain before eventually walking off with trainers.
The Buccaneers later confirmed that Evans suffered both a concussion and a shoulder injury. In the post-game press conference, Todd Bowles revealed that Evans had a broken clavicle and would miss most of the season.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Evans’ recovery timeline as 6-8 weeks. Two days later, Adam Schefter announced that Tampa Bay had placed the star wideout on injured reserve.
Unfortunately, the injury effectively ended Evans’ 11-year streak of 1,000-yard seasons, a mark tied with Jerry Rice.
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Fast-forward to December 1, and Bowles offered the first update in weeks, noting the possibility of Evans returning to practice ahead of Week 14. On Wednesday, December 3, Ian Rapoport confirmed that the Buccaneers had opened Evans’ 21-day practice window.
Evans returned to the practice field on Wednesday, recording limited participation. Thursday was much of the same, and a positive sign for the 32-year-old veteran. On Friday, Bowles told reporters Evans needed a little more time before returning to game action.
Bowles said, “He’s just getting back, so we’re getting a chance to get acclimated. He’ll be out. JMAC will be out.”
When asked if they are still optimistic about Jalen McMillan and Evans’ progress, Bowles didn’t hesitate: “Yeah, I feel great about it. They look good.”
Adam Schefter later confirmed the report, and Evans was officially listed as out on Tampa Bay’s Week 14 injury report against New Orleans.
The original 6-8 week timeline aligns with this progress. Getting three limited practices this week is encouraging for a potential return in Week 15 against divisional rival Atlanta.
In the meantime, rookie Emeke Egbuka will continue as the lead wideout, with Chris Godwin operating as the team’s No. 2. Tampa Bay currently ranks 26th on PFSN’s NFL Offense Impact metric and would love to get Evans back in the lineup.
The Buccaneers close out the season with a Week 16 matchup against the Panthers, a Week 17 matchup against the Dolphins, and wrap up the season with a Week 18 rematch against the Panthers. By then, Evans should be back in full swing, and these games will be pivotal for both him and the Buccaneers as they push toward the playoffs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Insights for Week 14
Team:Â Tampa Bay is a half-game in front of Carolina for the lead in the NFC South. They play the Panthers in Week 16 and 18.
QB: Buccaneers are 7-1 when Baker Mayfield doesn’t throw an interception and 0-4 when he does.
Offense:Â Tampa Bay finished with the 23rd best OFFi in the NFL from Week 13. It was the fifth time in seven games that their OFFi score was 20th or lower in a week. Overall, on the season, the Buccaneers are 26th in the league.
Defense: Tampa Bay has forced at least two turnovers in seven games this season. It’s tied for second in the NFL.
Fantasy: Chris Godwin only had three receptions, but they all gained 20+ yards. It’s hard to rely on him, especially with Mike Evans nearing a return, but he looked healthy, and that’s enough to keep him in the flex conversation.