In so doing, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have just faced the biggest buzzsaw in their entire season. That wide receiver Mike Evans turned out with a broken collarbone and a concussion. In the second quarter, Evans had a good shot at a deep ball from quarterback Baker Mayfield. Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin brought him down on the play.
Evans hit his head hard on the turf as he fell. He stayed face down on the turf for what seemed like an eternity, wincing in agony. He needed help to get off the field and was carted to the locker room for additional evaluation. Later on, head coach Todd Bowles officially announced that Evans had a broken collarbone. This injury will nearly assuredly have him on the shelf for at least triple the remainder of the season.
“It’s very unfortunate, but Mike’s a professional,” said Mayfield, expressing his disappointment over the injury.
Evans had literally just returned to action after missing time with a hamstring strain suffered in Week 3. As it stands, the Buccaneers will regret his absence for too many years to come. Not only is he the all-time key player, he has one of the league’s most celebrated resumes. Evans is the only player in NFL history to achieve 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons.
Had he maintained this streak through 2025, he would’ve passed Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Contrary to last season when Evans achieved this milestone on the very last play of the Bucs’ regular-season finale against the New Orleans Saints. This incredible accomplishment earned him a tie with Rice. In fact, the legendary wide receiver even gave Evans his blessing earlier this summer to break his record.
“It’s never good to see one of your stars go down like that — especially when coming back,” Bowles commented on the impact of Evans’ injury.
The Buccaneers will struggle going forward without Evans, who has been the heart and soul of their young offense. In addition to Bowles’ reaction, it was widely accepted that Evans would be gone for the year. Does this contrast make you worried about how the team will transform in their first year without him?
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