Struggling Bucs Had To Get Mike Evans And Jalen McMillan On The Field
December 11th, 2025
Pitch count tonight?
Joe is sure crossing is fingers that Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan aren’t being pushed back too soon.
Baker Mayfield has never had his top three receivers on the field at the same time this year, forget about top-four. He may have that tonight.
The Bucs yesterday activated Evans and McMillan from injured reserve. They could play tonight, and Joe was told Evans definitely will. Joe guesses if there were any doubts, the Bucs would not have activated both.
Mayfield the past seven weeks is really struggling and putting up (or not putting up) numbers not exactly screaming franchise quarterback. Joe suspects Mayfield is hurt worse than the Bucs are letting on. Mayfield would never admit it.
And if that is the case, Mayfield needs all the help he can get, as Eric Edholm of NFL.com points out.
Baker Mayfield earned some MVP chatter earlier this season, leading stirring comebacks and racking up some impressive numbers, but both have escaped him the past four games. In that span, while Mayfield has endured knee, oblique and shoulder injuries, he’s completed only 54.3% of his passes for 530 yards, four TDs and four INTs – after throwing only two picks in the nine prior games.
That’s not good. But here is what gives Joe a little pause. Are Evans and McMillan really 100 percent?
Both [Evans and McMillan] have been limited in practice this week, and are questionable for Thursday. The Bucs could save them for the showdown at Carolina in Week 16, however, they also need the firepower badly with every game critical. Tampa Bay’s offense has scored 59 points (while allowing 98) in the past 14 quarters, dating back to the Bills loss. They must find answers fast. Atlanta’s defense has fallen hard in recent games, but rookie pass rusher James Pearce Jr. is still causing havoc up front.
Maybe the Bucs plan to have Chris Godwin, Evans and McMillan on pitch counts and continuously rotate them? As least Godwin the past two weeks has looked like his old self.
And maybe not being a No. 1 receiver will rejuvenate Emeka Egbuka?
December 11th, 2025 at 9:09 am
If they do nothing with Mike but put him in the game when we are in the red zone that would make a difference
December 11th, 2025 at 9:13 am
Score 40 and you may win.
December 11th, 2025 at 9:14 am
Yep …
I wish they would have used Garett Greene, 4.5 , solid build and knows the game from a QB’s perspective. Great all
around athlete.
December 11th, 2025 at 9:17 am
bud will most likely watch and hope for the best non- trainwreck possible
December 11th, 2025 at 9:17 am
If Evans is playing he’s the number 1 read every snap he plays period and yes he’s healthy sure his snaps will be limited but out of 60 plays he’s probably playing 35 and gets 7 targets minimum he might be rusty and catch 4 balls but one will be a TD and one will be a deep target but the most important thing he brings to this game is his 35 snaps gives Godwin and Egbuka lighter coverage
December 11th, 2025 at 9:20 am
I’m thinking Mike won’t get a lot of passes thrown his way in this one.
It’s a miracle he’s back already. Letting him take hits this soon would be reckless.
The Bowles haters might get their wish at the end of the season. The injuries have devastated this team, but I get the sense that some of the players are giving up. Never a good sign.
I’m currently on the fense in regard to Bowles.
Which is a step back from where I’ve been all season.
December 11th, 2025 at 9:24 am
Garrett Greene is a player and Bucs have not given him a shot to prove it.
December 11th, 2025 at 9:24 am
Yes Joe they are desperate. However, I don’t think they would play them unless medically cleared. Bowles has said that in the past about players. I do believe that. With that said, I think Evans will be better off mentally, emotionally recovering from the injury . Breaking your collar bone is one thing, however, breaking bones in your neck is another. I don’t know if J Mac has taken a hit in practice and I think that is important emotionally coming back from an injury like that. I don’t think emotionally you just return to the game not worried about taking a big hit. I see him more on a pitch count than Evans.
However, yes with all of them available, I think it takes pressure off of them individually. EB, can relax hopefully and not press . J Mac can be assured Evans, EB, and Godwin can take pressure off of him. Their presence can only help Baker, as long as he gets some time up front. I think some of Baker’s issues are he is not quite comfortable in the pocket due to a lot of pressure. The o line for various reasons has not panned out and I think that is some of the issues in both the pass and run game. Yes the run game gets some plays but it is not consistent enough to help a poor pass game.
With all that said to win tonightI think the Bucs will have to score a ton of points because the defense is totally inept at this point . Yes both Counsins and Robinson could have big nights.
December 11th, 2025 at 9:27 am
I think Mike will get looks on those deep digs and maybe some sideline comebacks. After what happened to his collarbone, I’m not sure they will risk him laying out for deep balls right now.
December 11th, 2025 at 9:41 am
JMac really should wake up with a stiff neck and slap on a his brace.
This team isn’t worth risking your life for. Especially when it’s headed right down the toilet.
December 11th, 2025 at 9:42 am
Seems like now we’re at the point where we are rushing players back to save Bowles’ job, instead of being up enough games on the panthers to bring these guys back slowly and be 100% for the playoffs. Awesome.
December 11th, 2025 at 9:43 am
Bakers issues are pretty simple….week in/week out it’s a revolving door of o-linemen. Look at any successful season we’ve had on offense, usually minimal injuries up front. Every week it’s two new guys who are back ups for a reason. Now add in the defense compresses with Mike Evans out and the windows are tighter and time to pass is disrupted. The Bucs have a terrible record when Evans is out, he’s a game changer for defenses. They simply can’t let him be 1 vs 1 down the field or he’ll do damage. That forces the safeties to help which gives either Ebuka or Bucky favorable matchups.
I give the offense and the OC a break….to even be relevant when you’ve lost Evans, Godwin, McMillan, Bucky as well as two guards for the season along with your tackles for a few games…..that’s the entire unit, hard to overcome all that.
December 11th, 2025 at 9:51 am
We could send Mike on a route wearing a sling and he would attract a double team!!!
December 11th, 2025 at 10:02 am
Bobby M.,
Way too honest and logical for the anti-Baker crowd. Of course, you are right but people see what they want to see.
December 11th, 2025 at 10:05 am
This is a must win no choice
December 11th, 2025 at 10:19 am
San Francisco has managed to overcome debilitating injuries.
Then again they have excellent coordinators and HC.
December 11th, 2025 at 10:28 am
How tf yall know we are rushing them…….I would love to know the inside knowledge yall have lol….bucs fans are clowns 😆 🤣 😂
December 11th, 2025 at 10:31 am
Bring up Garret Greene to return kicks in place of Kam Johnson. He might also be able to help out on kick coverage. Not to mention, he might be effective in the passing game. Come on, Bucs, do something to mix things up.
December 11th, 2025 at 11:06 am
Mike Evans will play the part of Decoy. This is actually a huge role because it will take away the Falcons best CB leaving Godwin & Egbuka covered by a lessor corner or safety. It will also clear way for screens to Irving. If they ignore Evans then it will be pitch and catch between him and Mayfield.
December 11th, 2025 at 11:14 am
Can’t wait until this game starts.
I tired of all the talk.
December 11th, 2025 at 11:22 am
They cant double team anybody.
December 11th, 2025 at 11:27 am
DONT FORCE PASSES TO MIKE OR JALEN BAKER!!!!!
Tucker should get 20 carries this game
GO BUCS!!!!
December 11th, 2025 at 12:41 pm
Great game to get Evans and Mcmillian back out there. Get this win then we get 10 days to prepare for Carolina a huge advantage we should go into Carolina healthy and fresh as we have been all season. I personally beleive we beat Atlanta tonight beat Carolina twice probably lose to Miami in Miami be my guess.
Finish 10-7 win the nfc south probably get blown out by Rams in wildcard round.
However if all our weapons are healthy who knows what happens in the playoffs.
December 11th, 2025 at 12:43 pm
“Tampabaybucfan Says:
December 11th, 2025 at 9:51 am
We could send Mike on a route wearing a sling and he would attract a double team!!!”
FACTS!!!!!!!😂🤣😂🤣
December 11th, 2025 at 1:24 pm
Mike is just fine. Collarbones heal quickly and strong. He should be at or near 100%. I don’t know about MacMillan and how much he has been able to work out in the past few weeks. The neck brace was off a while ago, so he should be in pretty good shape by now. Do him a favor and don’t throw him anything high over the middle for this game, lol.
December 11th, 2025 at 1:50 pm
It’s the exact opposite – both were ready to go on Sunday but as Baker said last week, the Bucs didn’t need them to win, so they held them out because a victory was in the bag.
December 11th, 2025 at 2:34 pm
Bijan is going destroy the Bucs d without Tykee.
December 11th, 2025 at 2:49 pm
I hear ya Joe but they need to get out there and start shaking the rust off and getting in game shape so that when we do play the stinking panthers they are more ready for heavier load. We just need the oline to give baker some time and grizz needs to call better plays. I know it’s asking a lot
December 11th, 2025 at 2:50 pm
It won’t matter. This team is in a freefall. Lousy, pathetic coaches and players. No pride, no shame, no game. They will get embarrassed yet again. Blow it up and start from scratch.
December 11th, 2025 at 3:14 pm
Lose tonight and hit the panic button! I want the Bucs to win as always (Rod Munch), but will not be “devastated “ if they lose as it will surely spell the end of this regime in 4 short weeks. I want a SN capable team year end and year out – highest of expectations. I’m just not seeing it from Bowles. Lack of inspiration has led to a team questioned on effort. THAT is unacceptable!
December 11th, 2025 at 3:55 pm
‘74 Bucs Fan – The Bucs signed Bowles to an extension and Baker has one year, fully guaranteed on his deal. They are tied together, along with Licht. They’re not all going to get fired – unless they lose out and look terrible doing it. If that happens, then you’re talking about the team being blown up, and a full tear down and rebuild, which means many years of losing.
I wouldn’t be so eager for change for the sake of change.
December 11th, 2025 at 4:24 pm
Again.
Every NFL defense is tired.
It’s a long season.
Tucker on the other hand, is fresh and FAST.
Remember when Leonard Fournette replaced Ronald Jones at the end of the year and playoffs until the Super Bowl victory.
Go back and watch those games as I have.
Lenny was fresh! Lenny was faster than all of the defenders!
Same now for Tucker.
Imagine the NFL season is 4 quarters.
We are in the final quarter.
We need to ride Tucker into the playoffs.
Then go back to Bucky Ball.