The Tampa Bay Buccaneers formally placed receiver Mike Evans on injured reserve Wednesday, two days after he broke a collarbone that will reportedly require surgery later this week.
If the break was clean, Evans could return in eight weeks for a Week 16 game against the Carolina Panthers. It is also possible he could miss the rest of the regular season.
Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday he’s unsure whether Evans will return this season.
“It’s going to be touch and go,” Bowles said. “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 was hurt while trying to corral a deep throw from Baker Mayfield in the Buccaneers’ 24-9 loss to the Detroit Lions on Monday night. He also sustained a concussion.
The injury will end an impressive streak. Evans has put together 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, tying Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the all-time mark.
Evans has 14 catches for 140 yards and one touchdown in four games this season. He also missed three games with a hamstring injury.
Receiver Chris Godwin (fibula) and running back Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) have been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Godwin has played just two games this season, while Irving will miss his fourth straight.
Outside linebacker Haason Reddick (ankle/knee) was injured against the Lions and underwent an MRI exam. Although the severity isn’t yet known, Bowles said Reddick will miss some games.
Among other players who missed practice Wednesday were receiver Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), linebacker Lavonte David (knee/rib) and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (toe). Mayfield (knee) was limited.
Tampa Bay promoted offensive lineman Michael Jordan from the practice squad to fill a roster spot and signed receiver Brandon Johnson to the practice squad.
–Field Level Media
