Will Mike Evans return in Week 15? Latest injury updates on Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR

Mike Moraitis

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Will Mike Evans return in Week 15? Latest injury updates on Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR image

David Reginek-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are so close to getting wide receiver Mike Evans back from injury.

Evans, who is recovering from a broken collarbone suffered in Week 7, had his 21-day practice window was opened last week, but he was ultimately ruled out after turning in three limited sessions.

But a new week brings new hope that one of the Buccaneers' top playmakers will make his return to the field after a length absence.

Here's what we know about Evans' status for the Week 15 game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Will Mike Evans return in Week 15?

Evans appears more likely than not to suit up in Week 15 versus Atlanta.

On Monday, head coach Todd Bowles revealed that Evans is "in play" to make his return to the field on Thursday night.

"Short week but they did not play (Sunday) so we will continue to work them in and we will see where we are on Wednesday," Bowles said of Evans and his left tackle, Tristan Wirfs, per Brianna Dix of Buccaneers.com.

At practice, Evans turned in his fourth straight limited session. We'd like to see him get a full practice in to further cement his status, but we also know an experienced veteran like Evans does not need a full session to play.

We were concerned about Evans' status for this week initially, given the fact that he and the Bucs have a short week. But clearly the door is open for him to play based on Bowles' comment.

The Bucs will drop two more injury reports this week, one on Tuesday and another on Wednesday. If Evans turns in a full practice on either day, we'd consider him a borderline lock to play in Week 15.

We should get a definitive answer by the latter day, but it's also possible the Bucs take this decision all the way up until game-time on Thursday.

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