Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield appeared dazed as wide receiver Mike Evans grimaced in pain on the ground during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions on Monday.
Evans suffered a collarbone injury that could sideline him for at least two months—a significant blow to the Buccaneers’ campaign. The injury occurred when Evans caught a deep pass from Mayfield and was tackled by Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. Evans, who had also sustained a concussion, hit his head hard on the turf and was eventually carted off the field to the locker room.
The Buccaneers went on to lose the game 24-9, dropping their record to 5-2. Following the game, Mayfield sounded glum as he spoke to reporters about Evans’ unfortunate setback.
“Obviously, for the team, it’s not great, but for him, I hate it. You know, I’ve seen him work each day in person, whether he’s healthy or hurt,” said the 30-year-old quarterback in a video posted by Buccaneers reporter River Wells. “It sucks. You never want to see that, whether it’s a teammate or not, but especially if it’s Mike. It’s unfortunate, but guys are trying to step up.”
This was Evans’ first game back after recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained in Week 3. Now, the 32-year-old Pro Bowler will be sidelined even longer, leaving Mayfield with one less reliable target on the field.
Several NFL insiders have noted that Evans could return near the end of the regular season, which should give him ample time to regain chemistry with the Buccaneers before the playoffs—assuming Tampa Bay qualifies.
The Buccaneers will look to bounce back when they return to action against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-baker-mayfield-message-mike-evans-injury
