Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers started the 2025 season 6-2 in their first eight games. Since then, the team is 1-4 in its last five. That includes a 24-20 loss to the Saints at home in Week 14.
Tampa Bay is 7-6 with four games left in the regular season. The Buccaneers and Panthers are tied for first place in the NFC South. In Week 15, the Bucs have a quick turnaround playing on Thursday Night Football vs. the Falcons. Head coach Todd Bowles said WR Mike Evans is on track to get activated and play vs. Atlanta. It would be his first action since Week 7.
Barring a setback, Mike Evans is expected to return for the Bucs in Week 15
Bowles said Mike Evans has shown everything he needed to show in practice to get activated and make his return Thursday vs. Falcons.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) December 10, 2025
This four-game stretch for Tampa Bay will be crucial for their chance to make the playoffs. After their loss to the Saints in Week 14, the Buccaneers are 7-6. The team has three NFC South divisional games left this season. That includes a Week 15 matchup vs. the Falcons and two more games vs. the Panthers. For the last six games, Tampa Bay has been without WR Mike Evans.
Against the Lions in Week 7, Mike Evans suffered a broken collarbone and concussion. He needed surgery, but was not ruled out for the remainder of the year. After a six-game absence, Evans is on the verge of returning. Todd Bowles said that Evans has done everything he’s needed in practice to be activated for TNF. Having Evans back in the lineup is massive for Tampa Bay.
BREAKING: Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (collarbone) is expected to RETURN for Thursday’s game vs. Falcons 🔥
Todd Bowles said Evans has shown everything he needed to show in practice to get activated.
Evans has been recovering from a broken collarbone he suffered in late October. pic.twitter.com/t9AK8o955t
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) December 10, 2025
Since Mike Evans has been out, the Bucs’ offense has been underperforming. Baker Mayfield had 200+ passing yards in six of his first seven games to begin the year. Since then, the Pro Bowler has thrown for over 200+ yards just once. The team has struggled to get consistent production from their WRs. Rookie Emeka Egbuka has taken a step back after his start to the year. Additionally, Chris Godwin was recovering from his own injury and has been trying to help.
Mike Evans could be on a snap count in Week 15. However, this is a must-win game for the Bucs. With the Panthers playing the Saints this week, the Bucs cannot afford to lose to the Falcons. If the game is close, Evans could be used more than Tampa Bay would like. The veteran WR has an opportunity to come in and give the Bucs the immediate production they need at WR.
