Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans could return from his collarbone injury sooner than anyone expects. While he returned to practice less than two months after suffering his gruesome injury, the future Hall of Famer will not suit up for Sunday’s contest against the New Orleans Saints. However, that could be the last game he misses before making his triumphant return.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Mike Evans is hoping to return to face the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football. While it’s anything but a given, the NFL insider says there is “a chance” he makes it back to the field for the division rivalry. If not, Schefter says Evans will face the Carolina Panthers on August 21st, barring an unforeseen setback.
Mike Evans Injury Update: Star WR’s Return Timeline Revealed
This is fantastic news for Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans everywhere, as the team needs all the help it can get to lock up the NFC South. After running out to an early lead in the division, an absurd amount of injuries have caused the Buccaneers to stumble as they reach the proverbial finish line. The Carolina Panthers, meanwhile, have been on a hot streak and currently sit just a half-game behind Tampa Bay in the standings. Seeing as these teams still face each other twice before the end of the season, this race could go down to the wire.
No matter when Mike Evans makes his return, he should see a heavy workload. Tampa Bay has suffered injury after injury at the wide receiver position, and even when everyone’s healthy, Evans is still in a tier of his own. While he won’t hit 1,000 yards this season, he should remain one of Baker Mayfield’s favorite targets and should play a crucial role in a potential playoff run.
Main Photo: Kim Klement-Neitzel – Imagn Images
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