Shocking update on Mike Evans, Drake London: Who Plays Tonight in Falcons vs Buccaneers?

The latest Falcons vs Buccaneers injury update has reshaped Thursday Night Football heading into kickoff on December 11, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Tampa Bay gets star wideout Mike Evans back in uniform, while Atlanta will be without top receiver Drake London and could be missing tight end Kyle Pitts.

These contrasting injury developments change how both offenses will look in a key NFC South matchup. The Buccaneers are fighting to stay on top of the division, and the Falcons are managing a damaged depth chart while trying to play spoiler on the road.

Falcons vs Buccaneers injury update before kickoff

For Tampa Bay, the headline is simple: Mike Evans is back. The veteran wide receiver has missed the last six games with a broken clavicle and is expected to make his return tonight. Before the injury, Evans was on pace for another productive year, and he remains tied with Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start a career.

Evans’ return comes at a perfect time for a Buccaneers offense that has struggled to move the ball consistently through the air. With Evans, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan on the field together, Baker Mayfield finally has his full complement of receivers for the first time in months. All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs is also set to play after missing last week, which should stabilize protection on Mayfield’s blind side.

On the other sideline, the Falcons received the opposite kind of news. Drake London, their leading receiver in yards and touchdowns, has been ruled out with a knee injury. He has 60 receptions for 810 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, and his absence strips Kirk Cousins of his most reliable perimeter target on a short week.

Kyle Pitts enters the night listed as questionable with a knee issue. Pitts has taken on a larger role in the passing game since London’s injury but has only one touchdown this season despite 62 catches for 631 yards. If he is limited or unable to go, Atlanta’s red-zone options narrow even further.

Defensively, the Falcons also have several key players carrying injuries. Interior lineman David Onyemata (foot), defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus (groin) and edge rusher Jalon Walker (quad) are all listed as questionable after limited practices. They have combined for important production in sacks and tackles for loss and are central to Atlanta’s pass rush and run defense.

The Buccaneers have their own defensive concerns, including depth issues at linebacker and in the secondary, but the most impactful surprises of the week are on offense. Getting Evans, McMillan and Wirfs back together gives Tampa Bay a much stronger starting group than it has fielded in recent weeks.

How these injuries reshape Thursday Night Football

The most immediate effect of the injury news is on how each offense can realistically attack. With Evans back, the Buccaneers can stretch the field vertically and force Atlanta’s secondary to respect the deep ball, opening space for underneath routes and the run game. His presence also draws coverage away from Godwin and McMillan.

Mayfield’s recent struggles have been tied in part to limited weapons and constant pressure. A healthier tackle group anchored by Wirfs and a true No. 1 receiver on the outside remove two major obstacles. If Tampa Bay protects reasonably well, Evans should see a high-volume target share in his first game back, even if he is eased into full snap counts.

For Atlanta, the picture is far more complicated. Without London, the Falcons lose their top contested-catch option and primary downfield threat. The passing game will likely lean heavily on short and intermediate throws to running back Bijan Robinson and whatever role Pitts can handle if he is cleared to play.

This puts a larger burden on Cousins, who must operate behind a line dealing with its own bumps and bruises and against a defense that has been tough against the run. If the Buccaneers bottle up Robinson on early downs, Atlanta could find itself in long-yardage situations with a depleted receiver group, which is a tough recipe on the road.

On defense, the Falcons’ questionable linemen will be crucial. If Onyemata, Dorlus and Walker can play near their usual level, Atlanta can still generate pressure and force Mayfield into rushed decisions. If any of them are limited, Tampa Bay’s upgraded offensive line and renewed wideout depth become an even bigger advantage.

In simple terms, the Falcons vs Buccaneers injury update tilts the balance toward Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers are getting stars back at the exact positions they needed help, while the Falcons are losing theirs. That is why so much of the discussion around this game centers on who is actually available when the ball is kicked off in Tampa tonight.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest Falcons vs Buccaneers injury update for tonight?

Tampa Bay expects Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan and Tristan Wirfs to play after recent injuries. Atlanta will be without Drake London and is monitoring tight end Kyle Pitts and several defensive linemen who are listed as questionable.

Q2: Is Mike Evans playing tonight against the Falcons?

Yes, Mike Evans has been activated and is expected to return from the broken clavicle that sidelined him for six games. His snap count may be managed, but he should be a central part of the Buccaneers’ passing plan.

Q3: Why is Drake London out for the Falcons?

Drake London has been ruled out with a knee injury suffered in recent weeks. He leads Atlanta in receiving yards and touchdowns, so his absence significantly weakens the Falcons’ downfield passing attack.

Q4: Will Kyle Pitts play in Falcons vs Buccaneers?

Kyle Pitts is officially listed as questionable with a knee issue. The Falcons will likely take his status up to game time. If he plays, his workload could be adjusted depending on how the knee responds.

Q5: How do these injuries affect the Falcons vs Buccaneers matchup?

The Buccaneers gain a clear edge on offense with Evans, McMillan and Wirfs back. Atlanta must adjust without London and possibly a limited Pitts, likely leaning more on Bijan Robinson and shorter passing concepts to stay competitive.