Buccaneers Receive Encouraging Recovery Timeline Update on Mike Evans

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been waiting nearly six weeks for clarity on Mike Evans’ fractured collarbone. 

As PFSN noted, that patience may finally be paying off.

While Evans has yet to return to practice, multiple reports, including updates from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Fox Sports’ Greg Auman, indicate that the veteran wideout remains on track with the original 6-8 week recovery window. 

Auman noted that the expectation has always been a “longer-side” timetable, but was very optimistic about his return:

“Evans could be available at the end of the regular season and for the playoffs.” 

Tampa Bay has not provided a formal update this week, but the tone from league insiders reflects growing optimism rather than concern.

Evans’ Injury and How It Has Reshaped Tampa Bay’s Offense

Evans’ 2025 season has been a nightmare. 

He started the year with a hamstring strain that cost him early practice time and limited his production in September. 

In just four games, he only had 14 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown. 

Then, the major setback came in Week 7 against the Lions. 

Evans absorbed a hard hit to the shoulder area while attempting to secure a deep contested catch.

The hit resulted in a fractured collarbone. 

This injury has a notoriously tricky recovery process due to how easily the bone can be reinjured before fully healing.

The absence of Evans’ physicality, contested-catch prowess, and red-zone ability has forced the Buccaneers to adapt their entire offense.

With Evans out, the offense has mostly gone through rookie Emeka Egbuka emerging as the top option and tight end Cade Otton seeing expanded usage.

Compared to the first six games of the season where Tampa Bay’s offense was among the top of the league, they have struggled recently and injuries have been a huge part of it. 

Evans’ potential return could spark this offense and get them back to their early-season form. 

A 1,000-Yard Streak in Jeopardy

Evans entered the year with one of the most remarkable streaks in NFL history. 

He has 11 straight seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards. 

With only 140 yards entering Week 12 and limited games left to play, that streak is almost certain to end. 

But his potential return remains crucial to Tampa Bay’s postseason hopes.

At 6-4 with the NFC South tightening, Tampa Bay faces a defining stretch beginning in Week 13.

If Evans returns by Week 15, he would be available for two late-season matchups against the Panthers and a possible division-deciding finale. 

Even if the milestone streak ends, Evans impact has never been about numbers alone.

His presence changes how defenses cover the Bucs, elevates Mayfield’s confidence, and brings back a dimension the Buccaneers offense that simply can’t be replicated.

For now, the recovery timeline remains encouraging. 

The Bucs could not be more excited for their legendary wide receiver to return. 

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