Buccaneers Activate Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan from Injury Reserve

Bassyonni

ago 1 hour

Buccaneers Activate Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan from Injury Reserve

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made a significant move by activating wide receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan from injured reserve. This decision puts both players back in contention for the upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night.

Injury Updates

Mike Evans, the Buccaneers’ all-time leading receiver, had been sidelined for six games due to a fractured collarbone suffered in Week 7 against Detroit. He also missed three additional games earlier in the season due to a hamstring strain. In 2025, he has recorded 14 receptions totaling 140 yards and one touchdown.

Jalen McMillan, a third-round draft pick from Washington in 2024, has been recovering from a neck injury sustained during the preseason. He joins the active roster for the first time this season, following a standout performance last year. In his rookie campaign, McMillan finished with 37 catches for 461 yards, including seven touchdown receptions during the final weeks.

Team Adjustments

To accommodate the return of Evans and McMillan, the Buccaneers waived defensive lineman C.J. Brewer and wide receiver Ryan Miller from their 53-man roster. This adjustment allows the Buccaneers to strengthen their receiving corps, which has faced numerous injuries this season.

Status and Game Dynamics

Both Evans and McMillan are listed as questionable ahead of the game against Atlanta.
If they play, it will mark the first game for the quartet of Evans, McMillan, Chris Godwin, and rookie Emeka Egbuka together.

Performance Highlights

Evans boasts impressive career statistics with 850 receptions, 12,824 receiving yards, and 106 touchdowns. He is notable for being the first player in NFL history to achieve over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons.

Chris Godwin, who has faced his own injury challenges this season, has contributed 16 catches for 194 yards, including 133 yards in the last two games. He sits second in franchise history behind Evans in key receiving categories.

Emeka Egbuka has emerged as a standout rookie, ranking second among all NFL rookies with 54 receptions for 806 yards and six touchdowns.

Looking Ahead

With the return of Evans and McMillan, the Buccaneers aim to bolster their offense for the rest of the season. The team has the flexibility to activate up to eight players from injured reserve, with Evans and McMillan being the second and third players to be reactivated this season, joining tackle Luke Goedeke who returned in Week 10.