In a key stretch for the Bucs as they fight for the NFC South title, a key player could return sooner than anticipated.
According to Adam Schefter’s reports, Todd Bowles has said that wide receiver Mike Evans could be returning to practice sometime this week. This comes after Evans had been out the previous seven weeks with a broken clavicle injury, which was initially thought to be season-ending. While this means he is still likely going to be unavailable to play, this is good news for a Bucs team looking to get back to a full bill of health at just the right time.
Most likely what will happen will be Evans’ designation to return from the IR, which would open up his 21 day activation window. If he isn’t activated during that time period, he will ultimately miss the rest of the season.
Evans’ Streak Likely Over, but His Return Still Matters
Some fans will be sad to know that whatever happens with Evans, chances are he won’t get the chance to continue his 1,000 yard season streak this year. His prolific stretch as the NFL’s most productive receiver over the past 11 years will come to an end. What’s most important for Bucs fans to remember though is that this team did not look like it would get many players back at all. Not just Mike Evans, but Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and Bucky Irving. In fact, the Bucs just reintroduced Irving into the starting lineup just this week, as well as Chris Godwin the week before. The Bucs seems like they’re going to need whatever help they can get as the are lurking right behind them for first place in the NFC South.
How the Bucs Could Strategically Time Evans’ Activation
The Bucs still have to play the Panthers twice down the stretch, so it would be expected that Evans could return for those games. However, if he were to even dream of continuing his streak, he would have had to return for Week 14 and proceed to average 172 yards per game, which would have been a remarkable feat in its own right. Still, Evans doesn’t just want to return to have nice stats. He wants to do whatever it takes to help his team win and get into the playoffs and potentially make a deep run. The Bucs’ schedule certainly sets up nicely to make that late season push. Besides the two games with the Panthers, the Bucs just get the Saints, Falcons, and Dolphins, all winnable, even without Evans. Chances are if the Bucs try their luck, the activation window could line up with the start of the playoffs rather than what could turn out to be meaningless games. Still, the most effective way to win the division would be to beat the Panthers both times. And if Evans is closer to a return that initially thought, it would make sense to bring him back for both games. So while he may not feature in this week’s game, he could play a huge role down the stretch for a Bucs team looking to win now.
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