During the second quarter of the Tampa Bay Bucs game on Monday night, Mike Evans went high in the air to snag a ball while defended by Lions’ defensive back Rock Ya-Sin. He made the catch at first, but released it as he came crashing to the turf awkwardly. His head slammed to the ground (he seemed to temporarily lose consciousness), and he lay motionless on the field for a nerve-wracking time.

Once Evans gathered his marbles, he walked to the sideline under his own power and was evaluated in short order before boarding a cart to be driven to the locker room. The team reported he had suffered a concussion and sustained an injury to his shoulder, although upon further evaluation determined that it was actually a fractured collarbone. Head coach Todd Bowles announced during his post-game presser that Evans would be lost “until the end of the season.” Should the fracture mend perfectly and swiftly, the six-to-eight week timeline that is typical for an injury of this nature could conceivably put him back at practice in late December.

It’s unlikely that if that occurs, he’ll be suiting up for another regular-season game in 2025. More likely is that the rehab takes him right up to the playoffs where he could conceivably give Tampa a “shot in the arm” if they are ticketed for the postseason.

This was Evans’ first game back after a three-game hiatus, tending to a hamstring injury. The Bucs seem to be all out of luck in the injury department on offense. Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) remains out. Chris Godwin (fibula) tried to return sooner than expected and then went back on the shelf. Jalen McMillan (neck, out since the preseason) is expected back “at some point,” but the team has no significant updates beyond confirming that McMillan is still in a neck brace. Rookie sensation Emeka Egbuka left Week 6 with a hamstring injury but miraculously had a short turnaround and was good to go Monday. 32-year-old Sterling Shepard and seventh-round rookie Tez Johnson have each filled in admirably as injuries continue to strike.

Lost in all of the Evans news (at least for the casual fan) is the end of his amazing streak. He was tied with Hall of Famer Jerry Rice with 11-straight 1,000-yard seasons. Had he played a full 2025, he could have written his name above Rice in that category; the record remains one widely considered to stand the test of time. The football historian in all football fans laments Evans’ (another quintessential “good guy”) chance at taking over the record.

Evans will tend to the broken clavicle once the swelling subsides, but before further evaluation, it appears he has avoided surgery, which would lead to him being out until next season. For now, rest, restrained movement of his arm, and letting the fracture heal naturally is the first order of business. Once comfortable, he can start rehabilitation in the hopes of making it back in time for the playoffs. Tampa Bay has not announced a corresponding roster move as of yet, but assume he’ll be placed on the injured reserve with a return designation (IR-R).

Fantasy football managers can stash Evans in case he makes it back for the final game of the fantasy playoffs, but at this point, it appears that is unlikely to occur.

Author: Samwise (@BuyAndSellYou)