Buccaneers WRs Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan returning to practice

Published: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 2:32 pm

Buccaneers' Receiving Corps Set to Rebound with Key Players Returning

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief as two key wide receivers are slated to return to practice. Veteran Mike Evans, who entered the season with a remarkable streak of consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, has been sidelined due to injuries. A hamstring issue earlier in the season was followed by a broken clavicle in Week 7, limiting his playing time to just four games and 140 receiving yards.

Joining Evans in his return is Jalen McMillan, who has been out of action since the preseason due to a severe neck injury. McMillan, a third-round pick from the 2024 draft, made a significant impact towards the end of his rookie season, demonstrating his potential with seven touchdowns in his final five games.

The absence of Evans and McMillan, coupled with injuries to Chris Godwin, has significantly impacted the Buccaneers' offensive performance. The team's passing attack, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, has fallen to 19th in the league after ranking third last year. The return of these key players, along with Godwin and rookie Emeka Egbuka, is expected to revitalize the offense.

Despite the challenges posed by injuries, the Buccaneers currently hold a 7-5 record and are positioned to win the NFC South for the fifth consecutive year. However, they face stiff competition from the Carolina Panthers, who are close behind with a 7-6 record. The two teams are scheduled to face each other in Weeks 16 and 18, and the return of Evans and McMillan could be crucial in determining the division title.

BNN's Perspective: The Buccaneers' ability to overcome adversity and maintain a winning record despite significant injuries is a testament to the team's resilience. The return of Evans and McMillan could provide the necessary boost to secure the NFC South title and make a push for the playoffs. However, the upcoming matchups against the Panthers will be critical, and the team's success will depend on the health and performance of its key players.

Keywords: Buccaneers, Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan, injuries, receiving, offense, Baker Mayfield, NFC South, Panthers, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, football, NFL

Full Story