Mike Evans injury update: Unfortunate news emerges on Buccaneers WR

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans is out the remainder of Monday night’s game against the Detroit Lions, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Evans suffered a shoulder injury as well as a concussion after taking a hard hit in the second quarter.

Evans appeared to hit the side of his head on the turf as he landed while attempting to make a catch. 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.

Eventually, the receiver was loaded onto a cart and taken back to the locker room for further evaluation. It didn’t take long after that for word to come that he was out the rest of the game.

Tampa Bay was already missing receiver Chris Godwin due to a fibula injury. Now without Mike Evans, the Buccaneers will have to reply on rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka to shoulder the load. Sterling Shepard and Tez Johnson may also take on bigger roles. The Buccaneers trailed 14-3 at halftime.

It’s an unfortunate blow for Evans, who made his return Monday evening after missing the previous three games due to a hamstring injury. He failed to record a catch on four targets in the first half.

It hasn’t just been this season that injuries have plagued Evans, as he also missed three games last year due to a hamstring injury. He has 14 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown this season.

Evans is in his 12th NFL season, all of which have come with the Buccaneers. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions (850), receiving yards (12,824) and touchdowns (106).

Tampa Bay went 2-1 in the three games that Evans missed this season and will hope it can again weather the storm and come up with a victory here. The Buccaneers entered the contest in first place of the NFC standings with a 5-1 record.

Johnson stepped up to start the second half with Evans sidelined, as he scored a touchdown on the opening drive of the third quarter to cut the deficit to 14-9. Unfortunately, the Lions scored on the very next drive to increase their lead to 21-9, where it currently sits as of this writing with 3:46 remaining in the third quarter.