Evans & McMillan Are Back in Practice - Buccaneers Just Dropped a Nuclear Weapon Ahead of Saints Showdown

TAMPA, Fla. — Exactly one week before the NFC South showdown that could lock up the division, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers detonated a bomb on the playoff picture: Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan officially opened their 21-day practice windows from Injured Reserve. Both can be activated at any moment, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

Mike Evans — the man with 106 career touchdowns, now just 26 scores away from passing Jerry Rice for second all-time — has been sidelined since October 22 with a recurring hamstring injury. In the four games he did play this season, he managed only 14 catches for 140 yards and zero touchdowns. But when Evans returns, this season’s numbers don’t matter. What matters is history: he has never finished with 1,000+ receiving yards in every single season of his career. And the Saints? They’ve always been his favorite prey, allowing him a career 15.2 yards per catch against them.

On the same day, third-round rookie Jalen McMillan stepped onto the practice field for the first time in the 2025 regular season. The 2024 breakout star missed the entire year so far with a preseason neck injury, but last season he posted 8 receiving touchdowns — second only to Puka Nacua among rookies. His 4.38 speed and razor-sharp route running are the exact shot in the arm this depleted offense desperately needs.

Right now, Baker Mayfield’s healthy wideouts are Chris Godwin, Sterling Shepard, Trey Palmer, and Ryan Miller. The Bucs’ passing attack sits 18th in the NFL in receiving yards and has been under constant duress. Adding Evans and McMillan doesn’t just give Mayfield two more weapons; it gives him the height, speed, and 50-50 ball dominance that every defense fears in the red zone.

Sunday’s clash with the Saints isn’t just a chance to complete the season sweep (they already beat New Orleans 23-3 earlier); it’s the pivotal game to hold onto first place in the NFC South at 7-5. The Saints boast one of the league’s most aggressive blitz packages, but they’re dreadful at covering big bodies in the red zone — exactly where Mike Evans has made a living.

If both are activated in time, Baker Mayfield might have his easiest day at the office all season.

The Buccaneers just reloaded two heavy cannons at the perfect moment.  
And somewhere in New Orleans, defensive coordinators are already feeling the chill.