Another week, another game without star wide receiver Mike Evans on the field for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to injury.
Evans suffered his injury in Week 7, which was his first game back from a previous hamstring issue. It was later revealed that Evans suffered a broken collarbone, something that will sideline him indefinitely.
Initially, there was a fear that Evans might not make it back at all this season, but there is hope for him to return at some point in 2025.
Here's what we know.
Will Mike Evans play again this season?
Evans was placed on injured reserve in Week 8, so he'll first be eligible to return in Week 13 when you factor in the team's bye week.
However, Evans is expected to be out longer than that. Head coach Todd Bowles revealed that Evans could return toward the end of the year.
"He'll be out mostly toward the end of the year," Bowles said on Oct. 20. "We'll see what happens."
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that Evans is expected to miss six to eight weeks with his collarbone injury.
If we stick to that timeline, that puts Evans' possible return anywhere between Weeks 14 and 16.
The good news for the Buccaneers is that they should be able to navigate the rest of the regular season without their top wideout and still make the playoffs thanks to a weak division.
The most important thing is getting Evans back healthy in time for the playoffs, so don't be surprised if Tampa Bay is extra cautious and keeps him out for longer than the aforementioned timeline.
However, if the Bucs falter and are in danger of missing the postseason, we could see Evans returning on the shorter end of that timeline.
Of course, being able to do so will depend on how the injury heals and how his rehab goes. We know Evans will be pushing to make it back as soon as possible.
More NFL News
- Bills trade rumor reveals Buffalo tried to make 2 blockbuster deals
- When is DeForest Buckner coming back? Latest injury update on star DT
- Bears almost acquired former second-round CB at the trade deadline
- Browns nearly traded for former second-round WR at the deadline
- Josh Allen among Bills handed punishments for Week 9 infractions
- Kyler Murray rumor is intriguing news for Vikings, Steelers
- Steelers were snubbed by two wide receivers at the trade deadline