Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) upgraded from a limited practice participant on Wednesday to a full showing on Thursday ahead of the Week 14 game against the division-rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday, according to Sara Palczewski of Louisiana First News. Irving returned in last Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals for the first time since suffering foot and shoulder injuries back in Week 4. The 23-year-old played 52% of the offensive snaps and had 19 touches for 81 scrimmage yards and his first rushing touchdown of the year. The Bucs will continue to involve both Rachaad White and Sean Tucker in change-of-pace roles down the stretch, but Irving is their preferred back and has clear RB1 upside for fantasy managers now that he's back and set to see an even bigger workload this weekend against the Saints. Irving is averaging a mediocre 3.4 yards per carry in five games this year, but he's had at least 14 rushing attempts in all five games and has a high floor.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (leg) is getting healthier following a fractured fibula that he suffered back in Week 5. Godwin returned from his fibula injury in the Week 12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams to catch two of his four targets for just nine yards. The 29-year-old saw the field more in last week's win over the Arizona Cardinals and caught three of five targets for a season-high 78 yards. He was still limited with his leg injury in Wednesday's practice, but he upgraded to a full practice on Thursday and should continue to see his role grow as he heads into the Week 14 divisional game against the New Orleans Saints. Godwin has WR3/flex appeal for fantasy managers in his third game back, although his target share could be negatively affected if Mike Evans (collarbone) comes off IR to play for the first time since breaking his collarbone in Week 7.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) was limited for the second straight day on Thursday due to a neck injury, according to Sara Palczewski of Louisiana First News. McMillan returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since suffering three neck fractures and significant ligament damage during a preseason game in August. The 23-year-old has been on Injured Reserve all year and is not expected to return for this Sunday's game against the division-rival New Orleans Saints in Week 14. McMillan is no longer wearing a neck brace, though, and he continues to make improvements towards a return before the regular season is over. Fantasy managers can continue to avoid him, though, as it might be another couple of weeks before the Bucs officially activate him. McMillan is likely to have a small role for Tampa when he returns, too, in a suddenly crowded WR room.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) continues to manage an AC joint sprain in his left (non-throwing) shoulder that he suffered in Week 12, but he was upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after putting in a limited session on Wednesday. In the Week 13 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Mayfield went 18-for-28 passing for 194 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions while running for 27 yards. The 30-year-old veteran might be dealing with his left-shoulder injury the rest of the year, but he will be active for a Week 14 divisional contest this Sunday against the 2-10 New Orleans Saints. Don't be fooled by the Saints' record. Their defense is their strength, and they've allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to QBs the last three weeks. In the first meeting with New Orleans, Mayfield went 15-for-24 passing for 152 yards with no TDs or interceptions. He'll be in play as a low-end QB1 in fantasy this weekend, and he could be getting top receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) back from IR.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone), who remains on Injured Reserve after breaking his collarbone in Week 7, was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday, according to Sara Palczewski of Louisiana First News. Evans is trying to get back up to speed after having his 21-day practice window opened this week. Although the 32-year-old future Hall of Famer has been out for an extended period, he has a real chance to make his return for a Week 14 divisional matchup against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. When he's back to full speed, Evans should be Tampa's No. 1 receiver, although he has more competition for targets than ever with Chris Godwin Jr. also back and rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka involved. If Evans returns in Week 14, he could be on a snap count, which would make him pretty volatile as a fantasy play in his first game back.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (clavicle) was back at practice on Wednesday and Thursday and has a "real chance" to make his return in Week 14 against the New Orleans Saints, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Evans has missed five games after suffering a broken clavicle during Tampa Bay's Week 7 loss against the Detroit Lions, but he is on track to be activated from Injured Reserve and play on Sunday. The 32-year-old wideout recorded 14 receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown on 32 targets in four games before being placed on IR, and he would immediately slot in as the Bucs' top option in the passing game alongside Chris Godwin Jr. and rookie Emeka Egbuka. Evans should be scooped up immediately if he's somehow available on your league's waiver wire.

Per Pewter Report, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) was spotted at practice for a second straight day, although in what capacity he participated had not been divulged. McMillan and veteran Mike Evans (clavicle) each came back from their respective injuries to log a limited practice on Wednesday. While there's likely still a few boxes to be checked regarding their return to in-game action, it's excellent news for the Buccaneers, as their offense is working back to full health. In a loaded WR corps, it's difficult to predict what kind of role McMillan will assume upon his activation. That said, he was productive down the stretch of his rookie season, notching four straight five-catch games, with greater than 50 receiving yards in each. He's on the radar in deep leagues for the time being.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (clavicle) was seen practicing with the team on Thursday, according to Pewter Report. His status during the session has not yet been detailed. The veteran made his way back to the practice field this week as Tampa Bay gears up for a home clash with the New Orleans Saints this Sunday. Evans hasn't suited up for in-game action since sustaining a fracture in his clavicle back in Week 7, although it appears he's inching closer toward being activated from IR. While the capacity in which he practiced hadn't been divulged, it's encouraging to see him out there for a second straight day. If the 32-year-old is unable to suit up for Week 14's outing with New Orleans, teammates Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., and Tez Johnson would continue operating in 11 personnel, with Sterling Shepard mixing in as the fourth option.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (leg) looked much better in his second game back from a fibula fracture in Week 13, hauling in three of five targets for 78 yards in the 20-17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Godwin suffered a gruesome leg injury in 2024, which affected his early-season play in 2025. The veteran receiver took some time to recover and get back to his normal self before the playoffs, and it paid off in Week 13. With injuries ravaging the Buccaneers' receiving corps, including Godwin, Mike Evans, and Jalen McMillan, the door is open for Godwin to have a role in fantasy lineups this week. The Buccaneers face the New Orleans Saints in Week 14, who Godwin has tormented in his NFL career. In Godwin's last six games against the Saints, he's averaged 95 receiving yards and 20.9 PPR fantasy points per game. With an improved target share moving forward, Godwin is shaping up to be a starting option in Week 14.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (leg) remains on the team's injury report and was listed as limited in practice on Wednesday, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. Godwin may stay on the injury report the rest of the year for maintenance purposes as he comes back from a fractured fibula that he suffered back in Week 5. The 29-year-old pass-catcher returned in Week 12 and has five catches on nine targets for 87 yards in his two games back. He was on the field more in last week's win over the Arizona Cardinals and had three catches on five targets for a season-high 78 yards. Although Mike Evans' (collarbone) impending return from Injured Reserve will take a little steam out of Godwin's rest-of-season outlook, he should still be a pretty key weapon for quarterback Baker Mayfield in the passing game. Consider him a viable WR3/flex option in fantasy for a Week 14 battle against the division-rival New Orleans Saints.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) continues to work through a sprained AC joint in his left (non-throwing) shoulder and was limited in Wednesday's practice, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Mayfield injured his shoulder in the Week 12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but he played in Sunday's victory over the Arizona Cardinals, going 18-for-28 for 194 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions while carrying the ball six times for an additional 27 yards. The 30-year-old is as tough as they come and is fully expected to play again in Week 14 against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Mayfield hasn't thrown more than one touchdown in any of his last three games, but he'll be on the low-end QB1 radar this weekend in a rematch against the Saints, potentially with star wideout Mike Evans (collarbone) back in the fold. Mayfield went 15-for-24 for 152 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in a 23-3 win over the Saints back on Oct. 26.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) was limited in practice on Wednesday, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. This was McMillan's first practice since suffering a severe neck strain and multiple broken bones in his neck back in the preseason in August. The 23-year-old is trending toward a return this year, but it probably won't be for another couple of weeks. And when McMillan does return, he'll be joining a crowded receiving room in Tampa alongside wideouts Mike Evans (collarbone), Chris Godwin, rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka, and rookie Tez Johnson. It's highly unlikely that McMillan is going to have a big enough role when he returns to put him on the fantasy map in 12-team leagues.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) was listed as limited in the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. Evans has made good progress since breaking his collarbone in Week 7, but the Bucs will re-evaluate him later this week before determining if they'll activate him from Injured Reserve so that he can play on Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. The 32-year-old future Hall of Famer should not be floating around on the waiver wire in fantasy leagues, even if Tampa decides to wait another week to activate him. The six-time Pro Bowler will not break a ridiculous streak of 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons due to injuries this year, but he still has the potential to be a difference-maker for fantasy managers in the playoffs. Evans' impending return is more bad news for slumping rookie first-round wideout Emeka Egbuka.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) is still on the team's injury report and was listed as limited in practice on Wednesday, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Irving returned in last Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals for the first time since Week 4 due to a dislocated shoulder and a foot sprain. Tampa was expected to ease the 23-year-old RB back in, but he ended up handling a healthy 17 carries for 61 yards (3.6 yards per tote) and two rushing touchdowns on 52% of the offensive snaps. Irving added two catches on two targets for 20 yards. Surprisingly, Sean Tucker played just 15% of the snaps. Irving should be fine to play in Week 14 against the division-rival New Orleans Saints, and he should see an even bigger share of the backfield work. As long as Irving doesn't have a setback with his shoulder, he should be considered an RB1 in fantasy in his second game back.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Wednesday that veteran wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) is doing well physically and has been running, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. The Bucs will now see how Evans handles contact and running routes in practice this week before they decide whether to activate him from Injured Reserve to have him play this Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. The 32-year-old future Hall of Famer broke his collarbone back on Oct. 20 against the Detroit Lions and has been sidelined ever since. While Evans might not be ready to play this weekend, fantasy managers should be adding him ASAP off the waiver wire if he's available, as he could be a difference-maker in the fantasy playoffs from Weeks 15-17. Before his injury, Evans had caught 14 of 32 targets for 140 yards and a touchdown.

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) is expected to have his 21-day practice window opened on Wednesday, a source said. The Bucs also opened fellow wide receiver Mike Evans' (collarbone) practice window Wednesday just in time for the end-of-season run for the (7-5) Buccaneers. McMillan had himself a nice rookie season in 2024, with 461 receiving yards on 58 targets and eight touchdowns. He stepped in for the injured Chris Godwin at the time after he suffered an ankle injury during the middle of the season and missed the rest of the 2024 campaign. As great as this news is for the Bucs and McMillan, it's not the most fantastic news for fantasy managers of Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin, Tez Johnson, and Cade Otton, as once Evans and McMillan get thrown into the mix, there's going to be a lot of pass-catchers in this offense and challenging for any one receiver to have any level of consistency if quarterback Baker Mayfield spreads the ball around, which he likely would. McMillan would likely be on the lower end of that pecking order, not making him fantasy relevant for the rest of the 2025 season, but still a good option in dynasty formats.

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday morning that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' legendary wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) is having his practice window opened off Injured Reserve, and he'll return to practice Wednesday. A quicker-than-expected return from a broken clavicle, Evans has been medically cleared. This is fantastic news for Mike Evans and the Buccaneers (7-5) as they make a push to win an NFC South title. From a fantasy perspective, it opens the opportunity for Evans to be an option for the fantasy playoffs. It's been a tough year for Evans from an injury standpoint: he injured his hamstring and missed Weeks 4-7, then played in Week 7 and had this collarbone injury. For the season, he's really only played three healthy games, so it will be the first time in his excellent 12-year career that he will not eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. However, getting back on the field to help the Bucs compete for a title is where his head should be. Should Evans suit up in any of the following weeks, he can be inserted into lineups as a low-end WR2 immediately.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday that wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) could start doing more in practice this week, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com. McMillan is still on Injured Reserve and has not played at all in 2025 after suffering multiple neck fractures and ligament damage during a preseason game back in mid-August. Fellow wideout Mike Evans (collarbone) could also do more in practice this week and potentially return for a Week 14 divisional clash against the New Orleans Saints. McMillan isn't as far along as Evans, so the 23-year-old probably won't be ready to return from IR this weekend. McMillan was expected to have a role in Tampa's passing attack this year before his serious injury in the summer, but expectations should be tempered for him if he's able to return, especially after the strong contributions from rookies Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson in his absence.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday that "it's a possibility" that wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) could start doing more and practice this week, according to the Pewter Report. Evans remains on Injured Reserve after breaking his collarbone back in Week 7, but reports over the weekend suggested that he could return as early as Week 14 versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints if he has a good week of practice. It would be a huge addition for Tampa's offense as they battle to win the NFC South division. Evans, a six-time Pro Bowler with 11 1,000-yard seasons in his career, apparently has healed quickly from a clean collarbone break, and he could be an asset for fantasy managers in the playoffs from Weeks 15-17. In four games before getting hurt, he had 14 catches for 140 yards and one touchdown on 32 targets. Pick Evans up now off the waiver wire if he's available.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) has not played since breaking his collarbone in Week 7 and is on Injured Reserve, but he could be a factor for fantasy managers in the fantasy playoffs, which typically run from Weeks 15-17. The Buccaneers originally were optimistic that the 32-year-old veteran and future Hall of Famer would be able to return before the end of the regular season because of the fact that he suffered a clean break of his collarbone. Reports over the weekend suggested that Evans could even return as early as the team's Week 14 game on Sunday, Dec. 7, against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Evans is currently rostered in only 58% of fantasy leagues, so if your team has a shot at playing beyond Week 14, he's someone to seriously consider picking up and stashing for the stretch run.