Bucs Injury Report: Evans, McMillan Trending Up, But Wirfs’ Absence Looms Large
The Buccaneers finally got back in the win column, and with that, Wednesday’s practice brought a bit of optimism-at least on the offensive side of the ball. It was a walkthrough session, so the tempo was light, but the return of two key receivers, Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan, was a welcome sight for a team that’s been searching for consistency in the passing game.
Let’s start with Evans. The veteran wideout hasn’t played since Week 7, when he returned from a hamstring issue only to suffer a broken collarbone.
But on Wednesday, he was back on the field in a limited capacity. That’s a big development.
Head coach Todd Bowles didn’t sugarcoat it-Evans still needs to prove he can handle the rigors of game-speed football, especially when it comes to contact. But physically, he’s trending in the right direction.
“Physically, he’s fine,” Bowles said. “He’s been running and everything. I can’t tell you he’s hit anybody, so we’ve got to see him in a football atmosphere-running routes, pattern-wise, getting acclimated to that.”
That next step-running full-speed routes against defenders-is what the Bucs will be watching closely as the week progresses. If Evans can clear that hurdle, a return could be closer than expected.
Then there’s Jalen McMillan. The rookie wide receiver has been sidelined since the preseason with a neck injury that raised some serious concerns.
But he’s now been medically cleared and, like Evans, returned in a limited role on Wednesday. For a young player who was flashing early in camp, just getting back on the field is a huge milestone.
“It was great to see him get cleared,” Bowles said. “You can see the smile back on his face and him moving around a lot better. He’s been running quite a bit, and just to see him back out there…I’m happy for him.”
McMillan’s return may not be immediate in terms of impact, but it adds depth and potential explosiveness to a receiving corps that’s been stretched thin.
But while the offense might be getting some of its firepower back, the news wasn’t all positive.
Left tackle Tristan Wirfs did not participate in Wednesday’s walkthrough due to an oblique injury. That’s a red flag for an offensive line that can’t afford to lose its anchor.
Wirfs hasn’t been quite as dominant this season-especially in matchups like the one against Saints edge rusher Chase Young-but make no mistake: he’s still the best player on this offensive front. When he’s out, the drop-off is steep.
If Wirfs can’t go this weekend, the Bucs may be forced to reshuffle the offensive line again, something they had to do earlier in the year with mixed results. Continuity up front is crucial, especially as the offense tries to build momentum.
Here’s a full look at the Bucs’ injury situation heading into Thursday:
Bucs Wednesday Injury Report
- T Tristan Wirfs - Oblique - Did Not Participate
- WR Mike Evans (IR) - Collarbone - Limited Participation
- **WR Chris Godwin Jr. ** - Fibula - Limited Participation
- RB Bucky Irving - Shoulder - Limited Participation
- QB Baker Mayfield - Left Shoulder - Limited Participation
- WR Jalen McMillan (IR) - Neck - Limited Participation
- CB Benjamin Morrison - Hamstring - Full Participation
- OLB Haason Reddick - Ankle - Full Participation
- S Rashad Wisdom (IR) - Quad - Full Participation
- T Taliese Fuaga - Ankle - Did Not Participate
- RB Alvin Kamara - Knee/Ankle - Did Not Participate
- WR Chris Olave - Back - Did Not Participate
- S Justin Reid - Knee - Did Not Participate
There’s still time for players to progress before Sunday, and Thursday’s practice will give a clearer picture of where things stand-especially for Evans, McMillan, and Wirfs. But as it stands now, the Bucs are walking a fine line between getting healthier and potentially being without one of their most critical offensive pieces.