Bucs’ Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan ruled out vs. Saints

By Ross Jackson

METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints won’t see two of the Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s most impactful offensive weapons on Sunday.

Per Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, the Bucs have ruled out wide receiver Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan.

HC Todd Bowles says WRs Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan have been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Saints. They will not be activated from IR this week. Also, left tackle Tristan Wirfs will be listed as questionable.

— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) December 5, 2025

Both players saw their 21-day practice windows opened earlier in the week as they each looked to make it back from Injured Reserve within that timeline. Evans is recovering from a broken clavicle, which he suffered in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions. McMillan is working his way back from a scary neck injury suffered during one of Tampa’s preseason games.

Even without Evans and McMillan, the Buccaneers have a more than formidable attack at wide receiver. Rookie Emeka Egbuka is still one of the front-runners for the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Meanwhile, the team has already seen Chris Godwin Jr. make his return in last week’s win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Behind them, receivers Sterling Shepherd and Tez Johnson (also a rookie) have made notable impacts throughout the year.

New Orleans’ defense, which may be its starting safeties this week, will still be challenged. But at least two key weapons aren’t yet ready to make their returns as the Saints and Buccaneers wrap up their 2025 series in Tampa on Sunday.