By Rowan Fisher-ShottonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberAfter missing three games earlier in the year with a hamstring strain, Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro wide receiver Mike Evans returned in Week 7 at Detroit and suffered a fractured clavicle while hauling in a contested throw.
The team then placed him on IR on October 22 and initially described the injury as one that would sideline him for the majority of the NFL season.
At the time of the injury, Evans had 14 catches (31 targets) for 140 yards and one touchdown across four appearances — a starkly quiet start for the veteran who has opened his career with 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons.
However, on Monday, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles offered a cautiously optimistic update, indicating that the team could open the 21-day injured-reserve practice window for Evans this week, clearing the way for him to return to team practices and, potentially, game action if medical checks go well.
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Losing a six-time Pro Bowl WR is difficult for any team to manage, yet Tampa Bay hasn't folded.
The offense has been led by rookie Emeka Egbuka, the team's 2025 first-round pick, who has stepped into a primary role, recording 791 receiving yards and six TDs on 52 catches (102 targets).
Quarterback Baker Mayfield, meanwhile, has delivered big performances in key moments, throwing for 2,600 yards, 19 TDs, and five INTs, along with 243 rushing yards and a 62.8% completion rate.
More importantly, through Week 13, Tampa is still in the playoff mix, sitting 7-5 and atop the NFC South.
However, with the Carolina Panthers sitting close behind at 7-6, Evans' potential return remains a key storyline to watch.
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Once a player on IR is cleared to return to practice, the team has a 21-day window to evaluate him and either activate him to the 53-man roster or leave him on IR for the season.
If Tampa opens that window this week and Evans progresses in practice, he could be activated and eligible for the Bucs’ Week 14 home game against the New Orleans Saints on December 7.
After the Saints game, Tampa will host the Falcons before back-to-back road contests at Carolina and at Miami, and their season finale at home versus the Panthers.
The next few practice sessions will determine whether the Evans will be part of this late-season push.
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