On a night that saw Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans become just the 11th player in NFL history to reach 100 receiving touchdowns on Monday Night Football against the Baltimore Ravens the Bucs' 11-year veteran left the game with a hamstring injury and in considerable pain.
Evans, who entered the game with a hamstring strain but was determined to play, caught a 25-yard touchdown from Baker Mayfield on the opening drive. But in the second quarter, Mayfield attempted to find Evans in the end zone on a 25-yard go route against Brandon Stephens, and Evans couldn't hang onto the pass as he grabbed his right hamstring, falling to the ground and writhing in pain after.
Evans remained on the field for several seconds as trainers and teammates gathered around him. He was able to walk off the field with vice president of sports medicine and performance Bobby Slater but limped significantly as he entered the tunnel with a standing ovation.
Evans missed two days of practice this week on the injury, which coach Todd Bowles described earlier in the week as a lingering injury versus an acute one. He was able to practice Friday in a limited capacity and carried no injury designation heading into Monday night's game, where he was honored with a message on the video board commemorating his 100th career receiving touchdown.
Through the first six weeks of the season, Evans' five touchdowns were tied for the league lead (his touchdown Monday night was his sixth). He is the only player in NFL history to record 10 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in his first 10 seasons in the league and was aiming to tie Jerry Rice's league-record 11 consecutive 1,000 yard seasons this year.
Evans' Injury and Impact on the Buccaneers
The injury is a tough blow for a 4-2 Buccaneers team that's been clicking on offense in the opening weeks of the season. If Evans misses multiple weeks, the Bucs will be forced to adjust without their top receiving option. The Buccaneers will be without starting defensive linemen Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey for their Week Three matchup with the Broncos, but the Bucs' defensive front is still without Calijah Kancey but nose tackle Vita Vea is returning after missing one game with a knee injury.
Ravens' Injuries and Impact on the Game
The Ravens will be without rookie running back Rasheen Ali, who made his NFL debut in Week Six after being activated from injured reserve but subsequently sustained an ankle injury. Two reserve defenders, linebacker Malik Harrison and defensive tackle Broderick Washington, are also out due to groin and knee ailments, respectively.
Defensive lineman Broderick Washington (knee) was ruled out for Monday night's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being limited all week in practice. Washington missed his first game of the season Week 6 against the Washington Commanders. He has played 33% of the defensive snaps this year.
The Importance of the Game for Both Teams
The Buccaneers will host the Ravens on Monday Night Football. Find out how to view the action. With the 100th touchdown catch of his career on Monday night, Evans became just the 11th player in NFL history to reach that mark, and he joins a group made up almost exclusively of Hall of Famers.
The Buccaneers' defense will be without a pair of starters on Sunday against New Orleans, as OLB Shaquil Barrett (groin) and CB Carlton Davis (concussion) are on the Week 17 inactive list.
A Look at the Stats
On the defensive side for the Buccaneers, safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is half a sack from matching and a full sack from passing Bill Bates (15.5) for the second-most sacks by a defensive back in the first five years of his career. That stat is since 1982 when sacks became an official statistic. Jamal Adams had 21.5 in his first five seasons and holds the record for most ever in the first five years of a career.
Looking Ahead
The Buccaneers will be looking to bounce back from their loss to the Ravens and get back on track.
Conclusion: The Long Road to Recovery
Evans' injury is a significant blow to the Buccaneers, but they have the talent to overcome it. If he can return sooner rather than later, it would be a big boost for their playoff hopes.
The Ravens will be looking to build on their victory over the Buccaneers. With a tough schedule ahead, they will need to stay healthy and continue to play well. Stay tuned for more updates on both teams as the season progresses.
