The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have clinched the NFC South division but they’re still fighting for critical seeding in the playoffs. If they win both of their remaining games, it’s entirely possible they could still be the No. 1 seed, though they’ll need some help. Either way, they have a lot of reasons to keep putting their best players out there and playing to win.
They got a big boost on Friday when wide receiver Mike Evans was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list and returned to practice. This is just four days since he had been placed on the list.
Evans is the No. 2 receiver on the Bucs with 64 receptions, 899 yards, and 11 touchdowns. This is in spite of missing last weekend’s game against the Carolina Panthers. The eight-year veteran has spent his entire NFL career with Tampa Bay and has amassed 9,165 yards and 72 receiving touchdowns in that time.
When the news broke that Evans would be back with the Bucs and available for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets, there were some strong reactions from the NFL world on social media.
Good news for Mike Evans and his chances of playing Sunday in Bucs' game at Jets. Still coming back from hamstring injury. Bradley Pinion goes on reserve/COVID-19 list, so Sterling Hofrichter will handle punting duties again this week. https://t.co/aCApGLd52p
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) December 31, 2021
Win win situation https://t.co/btXMbtu5B1
— 𝕁𝕠𝕖𝕝 (@Breesoverrated) December 31, 2021
https://twitter.com/itsnotashlie/status/1476954657973022720
Mikey Evans coming for that 1K! https://t.co/Ze3wAs8Vwd
— Evan Closky (@ECloskyWTSP) December 31, 2021
Evans is 101 yards from 1,000 on the season, which would be something he’s accomplished every year of his career. Barring injury, it looks like he’ll have ample time to get there once again while also helping the Bucs return to the playoffs and defend their Super Bowl crown.
