Mike Evans injury update: Buccaneers WR heads to sidelines after being shaken up on deep ball

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans was shaken up midway through the second quarter of a Monday Night Football game against the Detroit Lions. He landed awkwardly while attempting to catch a deep ball.

Evans appeared to hit the side of his head on the turf as he landed. Immediately he was shaken up.

The veteran receiver laid motionless on the turf for several seconds before eventually turning over as trainers came to tend to him. He appeared woozy while trying to get to his feet.

But eventually Mike Evans was helped to his feet and assisted off the field. Evans was able to make it to the sidelines on his own power, with only the arm of a team staffer around his waist. Moments later, TV shots showed Evans being loaded onto a cart and being taken from the field.

ESPN broadcasters cut in with an update. Sideline reporter Laura Rutledge weighed in.

“Yeah, we’re still waiting on official word,” Rutledge said. “They’ve been looking at his right shoulder. We’ll let you know when we get more. But he is in excruciating pain. This is a really tough player. He’s been through so many injuries and he’s been in so much pain on the sideline. They’re finally just carting him off because he was having so much trouble getting off the field. Everyone checking on him, and guys, he was telling me just before the game how excited he was to be back tonight.”

Shortly after Rutledge’s report, Tampa Bay made an official ruling on Mike Evans’ status for the remainder of the game. He will be out for the contest with a concussion and a shoulder injury.

Evans had missed the previous three games while dealing with a hamstring injury. However, after recovering, the veteran receiver returned to the lineup on Monday night.

So far this season Evans has accounted for 14 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown. He has been limited by injury and, unfortunately, he’s now out for the game against the Lions.