The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have taken significant strides in boosting their roster ahead of their Thursday night matchup against the Atlanta Falcons by activating wide receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan from injured reserve. Both players, who began their 21-day practice window last week, had to be activated to become eligible to play. Their return could mark a pivotal moment for the Buccaneers, as it would be the first time this season that the team fields its top four wide receivers together.
Head Coach Todd Bowles expressed optimism regarding their performance in practice, stating, “They looked good, they looked fresh, they ran great routes, they looked like they never left.” While acknowledging that the players haven’t experienced game situations yet, Bowles noted their impressive practices as a positive sign for their potential contributions.
Evans had been sidelined with a broken collarbone, sustained during Week 7 against the Detroit Lions. McMillan faced a more serious injury, suffering three fractured vertebrae and two herniated discs in the second preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
To accommodate Evans and McMillan’s return, the Buccaneers waived defensive lineman C.J. Brewer and wide receiver Ryan Miller. Additionally, the team is set to welcome back All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who missed the previous game against the New Orleans Saints due to an oblique injury, further bolstering the offensive line.
Despite these positive updates, the Buccaneers will be without some key players. Inside linebacker SirVocea Dennis has been ruled out due to a hip injury, while safety Rashad Wisdom will miss the game because of a quad issue. Starting safety Tykee Smith (neck, shoulder) and tight end Cade Otton (knee) are also doubtful.
On the other side of the field, the Falcons are grappling with their own injury concerns. Wide receiver Drake London has been ruled out for the fourth consecutive game, while tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. is dealing with a knee injury and is listed as questionable. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Pitts’ status, Falcons Coach Raheem Morris expressed confidence in the tight end’s ability to play.
After suffering a narrow loss to the Saints, the Buccaneers sit at 7-6, currently tied with the Carolina Panthers for first place in the NFC South. Meanwhile, the Falcons, having recently faced a significant defeat at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks, are struggling at 4-9. The upcoming game is crucial for both teams as they vie for positioning in the divisional race.
