Bucs receivers Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan activated from IR, could play vs. Falcons

Rick Stroud, Tampa Bay Times on Dec 10, 2025

Published in Football

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TAMPA, Fla. — For the first time all season, the Bucs’ top four receivers could be in the lineup Thursday night against the Falcons.

Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan were activated from injured reserve Wednesday after a solid week of practice, giving a boost to Tampa Bay’s struggling offense.

Both were listed as questionable on Wednesday’s injury report.

“They looked good. They looked fresh,” head coach Todd Bowles said. ”They ran great routes. Looked like they never left. Obviously, they haven’t been hit or anything yet, but they looked good in practice."

To make room for Evans and McMillan, the Bucs waived receiver Ryan Miller and defensive lineman C.J. Brewer.

Evans hasn’t played since breaking his collarbone Oct. 20 at Detroit. McMillan has spent the entire season on injured reserve after fracturing three bones in his neck during a preseason game in August in Pittsburgh.

McMillan appeared in 13 games last season as a rookie and caught 37 passes for 461 yards and eight touchdowns, including seven over the final five games.

The Bucs will be missing starting inside linebacker SirVocea Dennis Thursday.

Dennis, who has been battling a hip injury suffered Sunday against the Saints, did not practice again Wednesday and will be out, Bowles said.

In Dennis’ absence, the Bucs will platoon Deion Jones, who played 17 snaps against the Saints, Nick Jackson and John Bullock.

“Depending on the package,” Bowles said, “you’ll probably see different guys.”

Dennis started each of the first 13 games but struggled in pass coverage. Teams have completed 83% of their passes with him in coverage for 595 yards and two touchdowns.

Bowles said his team was anxious to rebound from Sunday’s loss to the Saints.

“It’s a short week, we’ve got an opportunity to win the ballgame and still got everything in front of us,” Bowles said. ”They understand that, they know what’s at stake, and they’re looking forward to it."