The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a major setback during their Week 7 Monday Night Football matchup against the Detroit Lions as veteran wide receiver Mike Evans was carted off the field with a concussion and a shoulder injury. Evans, who had just returned from a three-game absence due to a hamstring issue, went down in the second quarter attempting to make a deep catch from quarterback Baker Mayfield.
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The Injury Incident
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Evans’ injury occurred after he made contact with a defensive back while trying to haul in a deep pass. He landed awkwardly on his knees and remained on the turf for several moments before being assisted by trainers. ABC’s broadcast noted that Evans appeared to be in “extreme pain” as he was helped to the sideline. Ari Meirov tweeted, “#Bucs WR Mike Evans is down and in pain. Ugh. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an injury concern with wide receiver Mike Evans in the first half of the Week 7 game against the Detroit Lions.”
Evans was able to walk off the field, though wobbly and requiring support from medical personnel. Lisa Salters of ESPN reported that trainers were evaluating one of his shoulders before he was taken to the locker room on a cart.
Impact on the Buccaneers
Evans, 32, had just returned after missing three games with a hamstring injury. His abrupt exit raises immediate concerns about his availability for Tampa Bay’s upcoming matchups. Evans has been a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ passing attack, and his absence puts additional pressure on Baker Mayfield and the team’s secondary receivers and tight ends.
The Buccaneers have yet to provide a full medical update, but the severity of the injury suggests Evans will be carefully monitored in the coming days. Fans and fantasy managers alike are bracing for a potential extended absence, highlighting just how pivotal Evans remains to Tampa Bay’s offensive success.
