Mike

Evans

It may not have been the most efficient outing for Evans, but when you consider it was the first time on the field for the future Hall of Famer since Week 7, it’s an incredibly impressive performance. The 32-year-old worked the sideline for most of the contest, and showed he’s still as good as it gets at jump balls with a 45-yard snag. Evans is far from a lock to put up these kind of numbers each week, but clearly the connection with Baker Mayfield is going to make these kind of outings possible. The Panthers are next in Week 16.

Otton is, unfortunately, sidelined by a knee injury. The pass-catching corps gets WR Mike Evans (collarbone) and WR Jalen McMillan (neck) back tonight, though, boosting QB Baker Mayfield’s fantasy-scoring potential. Mayfield will also helpfully have LT Tristan Wirfs (oblique) protecting his blindside this evening.

Evans takes the field on game day for the first time since Week 7. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes Evans will be on “somewhat of a pitch count” in his first game back, though coaches often allow players to play without restrictions if their body responds positively to early-game work. Evans is a tad risky, but his upside remains high. He should probably be in most fantasy lineups.

He will be on “somewhat of a pitch count” coming back from the collarbone injury. That’s good news for fantasy managers who were relying on Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka in Week 15, but it makes Evans a bit of a risky start in his first week off injured reserve. Evans probably belongs on the WR4/FLEX line if you’re going to play him, though the promise that he’ll be out there on “the big downs” is promising.

Jalen McMillan was also activated. Both players are technically still listed as questionable, though the designations are largely a procedural matter. We fully expect both wideouts to suit up versus Atlanta tomorrow. Evans could be on a pitch count in his first game back, but the Bucs will make the most of the reps he is on the field for. He will be a WR3 for Week 15.

Evans was limited in practice throughout the week. Head coach Todd Bowles told reporters this morning that Evans “has shown everything he needed to show” to play in Week 15. It sounds like fantasy managers can plan on having him back in the fold this week. In his first game back, Evans should be treated as a high-variance WR3, though he could be back in the WR2 ranks as soon as Week 16.

Evans is practicing this week and — barring a setback — should suit up Thursday night against Atlanta. Evans over the season’s first three weeks led the Bucs offense with a 41 percent air yards share and a 27 percent target share. His return to the Tampa lineup could limit Emeka Egbuka’s opportunities, though the rookie should remain in most 12-team lineups against the Falcons. Evans needs to be started in Week 15.

Evans has been a limited practice participant ever since returning to practice from his collarbone injury. He has a chance to play Thursday against the Falcons, pending Wednesday’s final injury status. Evans would return amidst a crucial NFC South race and would not return to WR2 status immediately, but would have FLEX value should be play in Week 15. WR Jalen McMillan (neck) was also limited as he nears a return.

It was reported on Sunday that Evans was already pushing to play in Week 15 after being held out against the Saints. Evans practiced all of last week and was listed as limited on Monday’s estimated practice report. He is clearly trending toward a return, which could not come at a better time for the Bucs. After an unprecedented loss to the 2-10 Saints, the Buccaneers are 7-6 and need all hands on deck as they look to secure a playoff berth and/or NFC South title in the coming weeks. In addition to Evans, Bowles also said WR Jalen McMillan (neck), who was also listed as limited on Monday’s estimated report, has a chance to return this week.

Evans is currently on injured reserve while recovering from the broken clavicle he suffered in Week 7. The team opened his practice window earlier this week, allowing him to return to the practice field as he prepares to play. Evans has been ruled out for Week 14 already, but it sounds like Week 15 is on the table. If not, fantasy managers can assume he will be back in the lineup for Week 16 versus the Panthers.