The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Monday night showdown with the Detroit Lions ended in heartbreak — not just on the scoreboard, but on the field. Star wide receiver Mike Evans suffered a serious leg injury that could sideline him for the majority of the season, according to early team reports.
The injury occurred late in the third quarter when Evans went up for a contested catch and came down awkwardly, immediately clutching his leg in pain. He had to be helped off the field by trainers, unable to put any weight on it. The stadium fell silent as the Bucs’ offensive heartbeat limped away from what could be his final game of the year.
Before the injury, Evans was off to another strong start, recording 5 catches for 84 yards and a touchdown. But his absence loomed large as Tampa Bay’s offense struggled to keep pace with Jared Goff and the high-flying Lions, eventually falling 31–20.
Head coach Todd Bowles called the situation “tough to swallow,” noting that Evans’ leadership and playmaking ability “can’t be replaced.” With Evans likely headed to injured reserve, the Buccaneers will have to rely on Chris Godwin and rookie Emeka Egbuka to step up in his absence.
For a team sitting at 5–2 and fighting to stay atop the NFC South, losing their most trusted weapon could not have come at a worse time.
Devastating Blow! Mike Evans Out for Most of Season After Brutal Hit vs. Lions
