Buccaneers Place Mike Evans on Injured Reserve After Collarbone Break

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have officially placed wide receiver Mike Evans on injured reserve following a collarbone injury sustained during a game against the Detroit Lions. The injury, which occurred on October 16, 2023, will reportedly require surgery later this week. Depending on the severity of the break, Evans could potentially return in eight weeks, targeting a return for the Week 16 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. However, there remains a possibility that he could miss the remainder of the regular season.

Head coach Todd Bowles expressed uncertainty regarding Evans’ return this season, stating, “It’s going to be touch and go. We’ll see as we get toward the end of the year. It’s definitely going to be the end of the year—hopefully it’s before that—if we get to the playoffs, we go from there. It may be in the playoffs. It depends on how it heals.”

Evans suffered the injury while attempting to catch a deep pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield during the Buccaneers’ 24-9 loss to the Lions. In addition to the collarbone injury, he also sustained a concussion. This injury marks a significant setback for Evans, who has maintained an impressive streak of 11 consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards, tying him with Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the all-time record. This season, he has recorded 14 receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown across four games, although he previously missed three games due to a hamstring issue.

In further injury news, the Buccaneers will also be without receiver Chris Godwin, who is dealing with a fibula injury, and running back Bucky Irving, who has foot and shoulder issues. Godwin has appeared in only two games this season, while Irving is set to miss his fourth consecutive game. Additionally, outside linebacker Haason Reddick suffered an ankle and knee injury during the game against the Lions and has undergone an MRI, with Bowles confirming that Reddick will miss multiple games.

Several other players missed practice on October 18, 2023, including receiver Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), linebacker Lavonte David (knee/rib), and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (toe). Mayfield was limited in practice due to a knee issue.

To bolster their roster amid these injuries, the Buccaneers have promoted offensive lineman Michael Jordan from the practice squad and signed receiver Brandon Johnson to the practice squad, aiming to maintain depth as they prepare for their upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints on October 22, 2023.