What Is Mike Evans' Timeline to Return from Injury? Latest Rumors on Bucs Legend

Tampa Bay Buccaneers star receiver Mike Evans is expected to return soon from a broken clavicle.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Sunday that "Evans has been pushing to play as soon as Thursday night vs. the Falcons as he works himself back into football shape from the broken clavicle he suffered earlier this season. There's a chance he will play then and if not, then the Sunday, Dec. 21 game at Carolina would be realistic."

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday that the Buccaneers opened the 21-day practice window for Evans to be activated off injured reserve.

Evans suffered the injury during Tampa Bay's 24-9 loss against the Detroit Lions in Week 7, and he also suffered a concussion in that game. He was placed on IR on Oct. 22 and had to undergo surgery to repair his broken collarbone, but there was optimism that he would be able to return near the end of the season.

Now, it appears that could become a reality, as Rapoport pointed out that Evans' return to practice is "quicker than expected." His presence would surely be welcomed by a Bucs team that has lost four of its last six games.

The 2025 season hasn't been very kind to Evans, as he also missed time earlier in the year with a hamstring injury. In his four appearances, he has 14 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown. His legendary streak of 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons, which is tied with Jerry Rice for the longest consecutive streak in NFL history, will come to an end due to his injury-riddled year.

At 7-5, the Bucs still sit in first place in the NFC South as they seek a fifth straight division title. Getting Evans back would boost their chances of making a deeper run in the postseason, so they certainly will make sure he's back at full strength before his return to the field.