Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan Return Timeline Update: When Will the Bucs WRs Be Back?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have spent most of the season without Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan. Both wide receivers remain on injured reserve, and fans want to know when they will return. The main keyword appears early to support search visibility.

Evans is recovering from a broken clavicle. McMillan is working back from a neck fracture suffered in the preseason. Their return timelines are different, and both depend on medical clearance and roster decisions.

Latest Updates on Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan Return Timeline

Jalen McMillan has been sidelined since the preseason. He suffered a neck injury that was later confirmed as a broken bone. Head coach Todd Bowles said last month that McMillan needed clearance from a spine specialist before returning. That approval has now arrived.

NFL Network reported that McMillan was cleared by Dr. Robert Watkins to resume football activity. The team expects him to begin practicing this week. Once the Buccaneers open his 21-day practice window, they must activate him by the end of that period or shut him down for the season. A realistic window for his return is between Weeks 14 and 16. His timeline leans toward the later weeks due to the nature of the injury and the time missed.

Mike Evans is also on injured reserve. He fractured his clavicle in Week 7 against Detroit. The veteran receiver was expected to miss six to eight weeks. He is already eligible to be activated, but the Buccaneers have not yet designated him to return.

The earliest possible return for Evans is Week 14. A more conservative estimate places his availability around Week 16 or Week 17. Tampa Bay may also consider its playoff position when deciding whether to bring Evans back earlier or let him recover longer. Trusted outlets such as AP and ESPN have confirmed the severity and expected duration of Evans’ injury.

Both wide receivers are expected to return at some point this season. However, the exact dates remain fluid. Their return timeline will depend on medical progress, practice performance, and team standing in the NFC playoff race.

How These Injuries Affect Tampa Bay’s Offense

The Buccaneers have struggled to find consistent production at wide receiver without Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan. Their absence has forced deeper rotation and increased pressure on younger receivers. Baker Mayfield has also played through injuries, making the situation even harder for the offense.

McMillan’s return would add speed and separation ability. Evans would restore Tampa Bay’s primary downfield threat and red-zone presence. The team’s offensive balance could improve once both players are active again.

Both injuries have reshaped Tampa Bay’s season. The Buccaneers remain hopeful that Evans and McMillan will return in December. Their comeback will play a major role in the team’s playoff push.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When will Jalen McMillan return for the Buccaneers?

McMillan is cleared to practice. He can return between Weeks 14 and 16. The timeline depends on how he responds to on-field work.

Q2: What is Mike Evans’ expected return date?

Evans could return as early as Week 14. A safer estimate is Week 16 or Week 17.

Q3: Why are the Buccaneers missing both wide receivers?

McMillan has a neck fracture. Evans is recovering from a broken clavicle.

Q4: How much time can Jalen McMillan practice before activation?

The Buccaneers have 21 days to activate him once he starts practicing. If not activated, he must remain out for the season.

Q5: Will Evans or McMillan be rushed back early?

The team is unlikely to rush either player. Their injuries require careful recovery and medical clearance.