Buccaneers Welcome Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan Back to the Field
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have received a significant boost as they welcome back wide receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan. Both players have been activated from injured reserve and are set to take the field against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night.
Key Player Updates
Mike Evans, who has been sidelined since Week 7 due to a fractured collarbone sustained against the Detroit Lions, leads the franchise in both receiving yards and touchdowns. He entered the 2025 season aiming to extend his NFL record of 11 consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. However, he has only recorded 140 yards this year across four games.
Jalen McMillan returns after missing the entire season due to a neck injury suffered during the preseason. McMillan, drafted in the third round by the Buccaneers in 2024, had a strong rookie season, posting 461 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
Coaching Insights
Head coach Todd Bowles expressed optimism regarding the players’ readiness. “Obviously, they haven’t been hit or anything yet, but they looked good in practice,” Bowles remarked. “They ran great routes and looked like they never left.”
Impact on the Team
The return of Evans and McMillan comes at a crucial time for the Buccaneers, who have struggled recently. The team has lost four of its last five games, including a narrow 24-20 defeat against the 3-10 New Orleans Saints last Sunday.
- Mike Evans: Activated from injured reserve; fractured collarbone.
- Jalen McMillan: Returns after entire season on injured reserve; neck injury.
- Team Performance: Lost four of last five games; recent loss to Saints.
The Buccaneers hope that the return of these key playmakers will help turn their season around as they face off against Atlanta. The team and fans alike look forward to seeing Evans and McMillan back on the field, potentially making a significant impact on their upcoming game.
