Will Mike Evans Play This Week? Latest on Bucs WR's Injury Status for Falcons Game

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense should be at full strength for Thursday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans is expected to play against the Falcons despite being listed as questionable heading into the matchup amid recovery from a broken collarbone.

The news comes after head coach Todd Bowles told reporters Wednesday that Evans has displayed what he needed to in practice in order to be activated.

The six-time Pro Bowler hasn't suited up since Tampa Bay's 24-9 loss to the Detroit Lions on Oct. 20.

Evans' absence has coincided with a downturn in Baker Mayfield's performances. Through Week 7, the Bucs quarterback was averaging 252.4 yards per game with a 99.8 passer rating. From Week 8 on, he has averaged just 159.2 yards per game with a 77.5 QB rating.

Perhaps most telling, Mayfield has gained just 5.6 yards per attempt without the downfield threat Evans regularly provides.

The Buccaneers as a whole have watched their on-field fortunes slide in recent weeks. They've lost four of their last five games and sit in a tie with the Carolina Panthers for first place in the NFC South at 7-6.

Atlanta (4-9) has already been eliminated from playoff contention, but its defense is better than its record would indicate. The Falcons are ninth in passing yards allowed (191.5) and 16th in opponent passer rating (92.3).

With nothing to play for the rest of the year, Raheem Morris' squad could basically pack it in for the final four games. Or the players could relish the potential spoiler role they'd play for the Bucs then the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17.

In what could be a tricky matchup for Mayfield, having Evans will be a nice boost.