Buccaneers reveal Mike Evans plan ahead of potential Week 14 return

Adam Schultz

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Buccaneers reveal Mike Evans plan ahead of potential Week 14 return image

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans hit the practice field this week for the first time as he begins to ramp up his return from a broken collarbone.

Granted, Evans participated in a walkthrough, but the veteran was again at practice on Thursday as he continues to stack days ahead of a potential return.

But will it be in Week 14? That feels like a bridge too far, even for a star like Evans, but offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard detailed the plan for Evans when and if he does make his return.

However, will he be on a pitch count?

"Yeah, I think so," Grizzard said. "I think the same plan we had with Chris [Godwin] and really the same thought with Buck [Irving] as well, where when these guys are back to be able to expect them to play a full game like they normally would, wouldn't be fair to him.

"But be able to bring him along and to allow his play strength to build up. Not that Mike needs confidence, but it's more of the stamina and his strength."

More: Buccaneers' Emeka Egbuka giddy with excitement over potential return of star duo

Evans' return plan the safe play

Given the injury history of Evans and the fact that this is his first week back at practice, throwing him straight into the fire against the New Orleans Saints, unless he is 100 percent healthy and ready to go, isn't the smart choice.

It is good to hear that he won't be expected to be "Mike Evans" when he returns, either, as a slow build-up via a snap count will likely be the way the Buccaneers get him back into a groove.

The last thing the Buccaneers want, especially in this crucial stretch towards the postseason is to rush Evans back and he breaks down again.

So, play it slow, and dot every I and cross every T before unleashing him, which sounds like exactly what Tampa Bay will do.

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Senior Editor