Mike Evans Injury Update and When Could Bucs WR Return After Latest Setback?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense took a big hit on Monday when star wide receiver Mike Evans suffered a broken collarbone in a loss to the Detroit Lions.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero provided an update on Evans' injury on Wednesday, reporting that the Bucs have placed the veteran on the injured reserve. Landing on the injured reserve means he has to miss at least four games, but Pelissero noted that he won't have the chance to return until December.

Before sustaining the injury on Monday, Evans had missed the previous three games with a hamstring injury. He's played four games this year, recording 14 receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown. He had four targets and no receptions before exiting the Bucs' 24-9 loss to the Lions.

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Evans, a former first-round pick in 2014, has recorded 1,000 or more receiving yards in each of his 11 NFL seasons. He had 1,004 yards and 11 touchdowns last year despite missing three games. Since he won't play until at least December, Evans' streak of 1,000-yard seasons will likely come to an end, barring a late-season miracle.

Tampa Bay's wide receiver room has, unfortunately, had to manage injuries throughout the season.

Along with Evans' injury, Chris Godwin missed the first three games of the year while recovering from the season-ending ankle injury he suffered last year, and he's now dealing with a fibula injury that has sidelined him for the past two games. Head coach Todd Bowles ruled him out for this week's contest against the New Orleans Saints.

But even with the injuries to Evans and Godwin, the Bucs have started the season 5-2. The strong start is due in large part to the MVP-caliber play of Baker Mayfield, who has collected 1,767 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has also thrived early on, recording 527 yards and five touchdowns.

That duo should be enough to get Tampa Bay into the playoffs, and Evans' potential return would make the Bucs a formidable opponent in the postseason.