Mike Evans injury update: Todd Bowles reveals grim outlook for Buccaneers WR, status for rest of season

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) head coach Todd Bowles announced that wide receiver Mike Evans will be out for most of the season. Evans suffered a broken clavicle in Monday’s 24-9 Week 7 road defeat to the Detroit Lions (5-2).

Evans, 32, sustained the injury in the second quarter after landing awkwardly while attempting to catch a deep ball from quarterback Baker Mayfield. His head slammed on the turf as he landed, and he was taken back to the locker room on a cart. Tampa Bay immediately ruled him out for the remainder of the game with a concussion/shoulder injury.

“He’ll be out mostly toward the end of the year,” Bowles said, via Greg Auman of FOX Sports. “We’ll see what happens.”

Evans was making his return from a hamstring injury which sidelined him for the Buccaneers’ previous three games. He was targeted four times against the Lions, failing to come down with a catch.

Buccaneers lose another key offensive weapon as Mike Evans suffers significant injury

The Buccaneers, though they sit atop the NFC South, have been riddled with injuries this season on both sides of the ball. On offense, they are now set to be without Evans, wide receiver Chris Godwin, wide receiver Jalen McMillan, running back Bucky Irving, right guard Cody Mauch and right tackle Luke Goedeke. Rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka was dealing with a hamstring issue coming into Monday’s game, though he did suit up and play.

Tampa Bay has continued to find ways to win, but its depth will be tested even more so throughout the remainder of the season. Evans, meanwhile, will see his streak of 1,000-yard receiving seasons come to an end. Last season, Evans posted his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard campaign, tying Jerry Rice for the most consecutive seasons of such.

Evans will almost certainly end his career with a Gold Jacket and a bust in Canton. That’s how good and consistent he’s been in his career. But while he’s had his share of hamstring injuries, he’s never had an extended absence like the one he’s about to face.

The Buccaneers have one more game to play before they hit their bye week. Perhaps after, they will have some of their playmakers back. Evans, however, won’t be in play to return that quickly.