The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for a pivotal Week 14 showdown against the New Orleans Saints - and they’ll be doing it without two key pieces of their offensive puzzle. Wide receiver Mike Evans and rookie Jalen McMillan have both been ruled out, despite returning to practice this week. Head coach Todd Bowles made it clear: the Bucs are playing the long game, prioritizing health over short-term availability as they try to hold onto their narrow lead in the NFC South.
Evans’ absence is a big one. He’s been Baker Mayfield’s go-to guy all season, and his ability to stretch the field and win contested catches has been a lifeline for an offense that’s had its share of ups and downs.
McMillan, while still early in his pro career, had shown flashes before a devastating preseason neck injury sidelined him for the year. The good news?
The NFL fined five players for “violent gestures” in Week 13 — including Baker Mayfield ($14,491) and Bucky Irving ($6,349) for this “nose wipe” celebration. pic.twitter.com/3is4QlZSgJ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 6, 2025
His 21-day practice window is expected to open soon - a sign that the rookie’s long road to recovery may finally be nearing its end.
But just as the Bucs look to get healthier, they’re also dealing with a different kind of blow - this one from the league office. The NFL handed down fines to five players for what it labeled “violent gestures” during Week 13, and Tampa Bay was right in the middle of it. Baker Mayfield was hit with a $14,491 fine, while rookie running back Bucky Irving was docked $6,349, both for their now-infamous “nose wipe” celebration.
What might’ve seemed like a bit of edgy fun in the moment turned into an expensive lesson in league optics. The NFL has made it clear: even if a gesture isn’t directly aimed at an opponent, anything that toes the line of perceived aggression is fair game for discipline.
For Mayfield, who’s built his career on playing with fire and emotion, and for Irving, who’s brought a spark to the backfield, it’s a reminder that passion needs to be channeled carefully. Neither fine is going to break the bank, but in a season where every detail matters, the Bucs can’t afford distractions - especially self-inflicted ones.
Tampa Bay now faces a critical stretch. With Evans and McMillan sidelined, the offense will need to lean even more on Mayfield’s leadership and Irving’s energy.
The margin for error is razor-thin in a division that’s still very much up for grabs. Every snap counts, every possession matters - and every penalty or fine is a step in the wrong direction.
The mission is clear: get through the Saints, keep the division lead intact, and make sure the only hits the Buccaneers are taking come between the whistles - not from the league’s disciplinary office.