Mike Evans’ streak of 11 straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons — tied with Jerry Rice for the most in a row all-time — is on its last legs. The prolific Tampa Bay Buccaneers wideout has played in only four games during the 2025 campaign.
The 32-year-old can help extend another streak, though.
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The 7-6 Bucs are trying to hold off the Carolina Panthers to win their fifth consecutive NFC South title, and they’re expecting Evans back for their stretch run. That starts Thursday night against the Atlanta Falcons.
Head coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday that the six-time Pro Bowl receiver has shown enough progress in his recovery from the collarbone injury he suffered in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions to be activated and make his return against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Greg Auman of Fox Sports.
The broken clavicle is one of three injuries Evans has dealt with this season. After stacking five receptions and at least 50 receiving yards in each of his first two games, he strained a hamstring in Week 3 against the New York Jets.
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That injury cost him three games. When he returned against the Lions for “Monday Night Football” on Oct. 20, he didn’t make through one half without another setback.
Actually, he experienced a pair of them on the same play. In the second quarter of the prime-time affair, Evans ran a deep route, with Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin in coverage. Evans dove and extended for what appeared to be an impressive reception, however, the ball came loose as he took a hard fall. His shoulder and head bore the brunt of the impact, resulting in not only his collarbone injury but also a concussion.
Evans was down motionless for a few moments after the play. While he was able to walk off the field with athletic trainers at his side, he appeared unsteady. Ultimately, Evans was carted off to the locker room.
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The Bucs opened Evans’ 21-day practice window last week. After being limited all week, he didn’t play this past Sunday during a 24-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints. But Evans is trending toward a return versus the Falcons.
That will be a boost for quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has been battling through a left shoulder injury of late.
Tampa Bay has lost four of its past five games following its 6-2 start to the season. The Bucs have four games remaining and still have to play the 7-6 Panthers twice.
Those matchups will likely decide the division. Evans’ return could tip the scale.
This news was originally published on this post .
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