Mike Evans returned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lineup on Thursday Night, and he delivered in a big way, catching six passes for 132 yards. Unfortunately, the Bucs lost to the Atlanta Falcons 29-28 on a walk off field goal. It was an embarrassing loss that had head coach Todd Bowles fuming, and Evans matched the head coach’s energy.
The receiver left the field before Atlanta even made the game-winning kick, and he was captured walking to the locker room visibly frustrated. Evans banged his helmet against the wall, and exclaimed some statements into the sky. It’s a tough visual for Buccaneers fans to see, but the emotions reflect how fans are feeling after the loss as well.
A frustrated Mike Evans after the Bucs lose 29-28 to the Falcons.
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) December 12, 2025
Evans finished with six catches for 132 yards. pic.twitter.com/p8XVQ5zmQs
Mike Evans was visibly frustrated heading to the locker room after Buccaneers loss to Falcons
Seeing the franchise legend in that state is tough, especially after he worked so hard to get back on the field to help Tampa Bay on its playoff push. Despite an elite night from Evans, the Buccaneers fell to 7-7, and are at risk of losing the NFC South to the Carolina Panthers. Carolina, 7-6, will play the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, before facing off against the Buccaneers in Week 16.
It has been a rough season for Evans, as Thursday’s game was just his fifth game of the year. Multiple injuries have sidelined him at different times throughout the year, and Tampa Bay had to navigate the year without him. The Buccaneers have also been without other key offensive players throughout the year, but on Thursday, the offense had its weapons back. That’s another reason why the loss was so disappointing.
The Buccaneers have now lost five of their last six games, including two straight. The two came against the Saints and the Falcons, the worst teams in the NFC South, that are also having abysmal seasons. Tampa Bay’s inability to get wins against them shows the state of the team right now. If the Buccaneers can’t quickly right the ship, the Panthers will be preventing Tampa Bay from winning its fifth straight NFC South championship.