Todd Bowles makes it clear how he feels about Bucs WR Mike Evans’ chances to suit up against the Falcons on Thursday night
Tampa Bay appears set to have their superstar wideout back in a crucial game against Atlanta.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wrapped up practice on Wednesday on a short week as they prepare to face off against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night in Tampa.
After absorbing a shocking 24-20 loss to the hapless Saints on Sunday, they simply cannot afford a second slip to another abysmal division foe at home, the Falcons coming in at 4-9. However, with the Bucs’ personal nemesis Kirk Cousins under center for Atlanta, anything can happen.
Fortunately for the Bucs, they continue to improve on the health front, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan practiced this week for the second straight week, and according to Todd Bowles on Wednesday, it sounds like Evans is in line to make his return to the field from injured reserve.
Mike Evans appears set to return against the Falcons on Thursday night, per Todd Bowles
Evans has been on injured reserve since the Bucs’ 24-9 loss to the Detroit Lions back on October 20. He went to the ground while trying to pull in a long pass, and he stayed down after landing hard on the ground. He was later diagnosed with a broken clavicle and placed on injured reserve.
He returned to practice last week ahead of the Saints game, but both he and Jalen McMillan – who has been out since suffering a neck injury against the Steelers in the preseason – were listed as out for the contest after the week of practice concluded.
Now, it appears he’ll make his return on Thursday, and it couldn’t come at a better time. The Bucs’ passing attack has been disjointed for weeks, and rookie standout wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has been struggling lately, particularly with dropping the football, with one drop costing the team dearly last Sunday against New Orleans.
The Bucs could have McMillan and OT Tristan Wirfs back on Thursday, as Bowles listed LB SirVocea Dennis (out), S Tykee Smith (doubtful), and TE Cade Otton (doubtful) as the only ones not in play for Thursday against Atlanta. Wirfs missed last Sunday with an oblique injury he suffered against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Bucs and Falcons get underway at 8:15 pm ET from Raymond James Stadium, with the game being broadcast on Amazon Prime.
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