Buccaneers Announce Mike Evans News Before Saints Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hunter Hodies | Last updated Dec 5, 2025 3:30 PM ET

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.

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 that Evans won't play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Bowles also confirmed that 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.

The Buccaneers are currently 7-5 and are a half-game up on the Carolina Panthers for first 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. There's a chance it's on NBC's "Sunday Night Football," since it might be for the division.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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