Will Mike Evans play for the Bucs against the Falcons? WR’s Week 15 injury status
Along with fellow wide receiver Jalen McMillan, Evans is in contention to return from injury in Thursday Night Football this week.
Todd Bowles says Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan “look like they never left”, after the wide-receiver duo were both made available to return from injury in the Buccaneers’ Thursday Night Football clash with the Atlanta Falcons.
Twelve-year NFL veteran Evans, who holds several franchise receiving records, has missed the last six games with a collarbone injury, after a hamstring issue also saw the six-time Pro Bowler sit out Weeks 4 to 6.
However, the Buccaneers announced on Wednesday that Evans has been activated off the injured reserve list - together with second-year WR McMillan, who is yet to play this season. The 24-year-old, who was a third-round NFL Draft pick last year, suffered a neck injury during preseason.
“They look fresh”
Evans and McMillan were both limited participants in practice on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, as the Bucs prepare for a crucial Week 15 game at Raymond James Stadium. It remains unclear whether they will be able to suit up against Atlanta; the Bucs’ official injury report lists both as “questionable”.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, though, Bowles said Evans and McMillan both “look good”. “They look fresh,” the Tampa Bay head coach said. “They ran great routes and look like they never left. Obviously, they haven’t been hit or anything yet, but they look good in practice.”
If Evans and McMillan are able to return in Thursday Night Football, they will complete a fearsome WR lineup - dubbed a “freakish four-wide” by Buccaneers.com’s Scott Smith - with veteran Chris Godwin and rookie first-round pick Emeka Egbuka.
Bucs’ injury report vs Falcons:
Out: SirVocea Dennis (hip), Rashad Wisdom (quad)
Doubtful: Cade Otton (knee), Tykee Smith (neck/shoulder)
Questionable: Mike Evans (collarbone), Jalen McMillan (neck)
Falcons vs Bucs: time, how to watch
In Week 15 of the regular season, the Buccaneers host the already-eliminated Falcons today, Thursday December 11, 2025, at 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT. In the U.S., the TNF clash will air on Amazon Prime Video.
You will also have the option of following live-text coverage at AS USA: NFL expert Dane Arlauckas will be talking you through every play at Raymond James Stadium.
NFC South title on the line
The 7-6 Bucs head into Week 15 on the back of a surprise defeat to the New Orleans Saints - and with their status as NFC South leaders hanging by a thread.
Tampa Bay now leads the division only by virtue of tiebreakers, just ahead of the Carolina Panthers, with only the NFC South winner likely to make the playoffs. Having had its bye in Week 14, the 7-6 Panthers face a matchup with the Saints this Sunday.
After Thursday’s duel with the Falcons, the Buccaneers then take on Carolina twice - in Weeks 16 and 18 - either side of a trip to Miami to play the Dolphins.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment