Tom Viera, USA TODAYSun, November 23, 2025 at 11:03 AM UTC·2 min readThe Tampa Bay Buccaneers dropped to 6-4 following their 44-32 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. It's their third loss in four games, as they continue to play without some of their top offensive contributors.
Buccaneers all-time leading receiver Mike Evans is among those playmakers who have been out of action. Evans suffered a broken collarbone in the team's loss to the Detroit Lions on "Monday Night Football" in Week 7 and has been out since the injury required surgery.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBaker Mayfield has had to rely on tertiary options as Evans' absence has been a significant blow to the Bucs, and he'll remain out for tonight's "Sunday Night Football" clash against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12.
Like many teams around the NFL, Tampa Bay is dealing with many injuries across its roster. Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving have also missed multiple games but Tampa Bay has remained in the thick of the playoff picture.
When will Evans be able to return to the field? Here's the latest on the Buccaneers' veteran:
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
2 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.3 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.4 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.When will Mike Evans return?
Evans' injury will keep him off the field for most of the season, but there is a possibility of a return in December.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAccording to multiple reports, Evans underwent surgery to repair the clavicle fracture, which the NFL Network described as a "clean break." This suggests that, with no setbacks, he could return in about two months.
If the eight-week timeline from the injury holds, Evans might be able to return in Week 15, when the Buccaneers host the Falcons on "Thursday Night Football" on Dec. 11, or in Week 16, when they play on the road against the Panthers on Dec. 21.
Evans was placed on injured reserve (IR) and has not yet been designated to return. Once the Buccaneers open his practice window, they will have 21 days to activate him.
The Buccaneers remain in first place in the NFC South entering Week 11 but the Carolina Panthers are right on their heels at 6-5. Tampa Bay can certainly stand to benefit if Evans can return during their playoff push as the season progresses.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBuccaneers WR depth chart
Here's a look at who the Buccaneers will have at wide receiver while Evans remains sidelined:
Mike Evans (injured)
Emeka Egbuka
Chris Godwin (injured)
Tez Johnson
Ryan Miller
Kameron Johnson
Sterling Shepard
Dennis Houston (practice squad)
Garrett Greene (practice squad)
Jalen McMillan (IR)
Jaden Smith (IR)
Godwin reaggravated his fibula injury and missed Week 8, and has remained out since. Without the pair of vets, Egbuka, the team's first-round pick in this year's draft, has led the receivers and is among the league leaders in multiple categories.
McMillan remains sidelined with a neck injury, which has forced the 10-year veteran Shepard alongside rookie seventh-rounder Tez Johson into action.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When will Mike Evans return? Latest updates for Buccaneers WR
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