Mike Evans Still Sidelined for Week 14, and the Buccaneers Will Feel It
There’s no sugarcoating it: Mike Evans is the heartbeat of the Buccaneers’ offense. Sure, Baker Mayfield is the quarterback and the leader under center, but Evans is the engine that makes everything go - especially when things start to break down. And with the Bucs offense sputtering in recent weeks, his absence has been glaring.
Even with Chris Godwin and rookie Bucky Irving back in the fold after injuries, Tampa Bay’s offense hasn’t looked right. The timing is off, the rhythm is inconsistent, and the big plays just aren’t there.
That’s where Evans usually makes the difference - not just as a reliable target, but as a player who draws coverage, commands respect, and opens up space for everyone else. Defenses game-plan around him.
Without him, the Bucs are missing their most dynamic mismatch.
Evans has been out since October 20th, when he suffered a broken collarbone during a tough loss to the Detroit Lions. He’s only managed to suit up for four games this season, and while that kind of injury used to mean a guaranteed season-ending trip to IR, there’s been optimism lately.
Head coach Todd Bowles opened the door last week to the possibility of a return sooner than expected. That gave fans hope.
But not for this week.
No Mike Evans vs. Saints in Week 14
Evans won’t be suiting up this Sunday when the Bucs host the New Orleans Saints in a crucial NFC South matchup. According to head coach Todd Bowles, Evans has not been cleared to play - meaning Tampa Bay will once again lean on Chris Godwin and rookie Emeka Egbuka to carry the load at wide receiver.
Now, this game might look like the softest landing of the Bucs’ final stretch - a home game against a struggling Saints squad - but division games are never easy, and this one still carries real playoff implications. The Bucs are clawing for positioning, and even though New Orleans hasn’t looked sharp, they’re still dangerous when it comes to spoiling a rival’s momentum.
That puts the spotlight squarely on Godwin and Egbuka. Godwin’s been a steady presence, but he’s not the same kind of vertical threat or contested-catch monster that Evans is.
And while Egbuka has shown flashes, asking a rookie to step into Evans’ shoes is a tall order. The Bucs are going to need creativity in the passing game, better protection for Mayfield, and maybe even a little help from the run game to keep the offense balanced.
Looking Ahead: Week 15 Return Possible
The good news? There’s real optimism that Evans could return in Week 15, just in time for another heated divisional clash - this time against the Panthers.
That’s the game Tampa Bay has circled. If Evans is back for that one, it could be a turning point not just for the offense, but for the Bucs’ playoff push.
Until then, the Buccaneers will have to find a way to win without their most dangerous weapon. They escaped with a narrow win over the Cardinals last week, but if they want to keep pace in the NFC, they’ll need more than just survival mode. They’ll need someone - or a few someones - to step up and fill the void, even if just for one more week.
Evans is close. But for now, the Bucs will have to gut it out without one of the league’s best at the catch point - and the most important non-quarterback on their roster.