Buccaneers Mike Evans carted off after suffering concussion and shoulder injury
Mike Evans returned from a three-game absence on Monday night, but didn’t make it through the first half without another injury. In fact, he suffered two on the same play.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend ran a deep route in the second quarter in tight coverage against Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. Evans looked like he had an incredible catch downfield, but as he hit the ground he let the ball go, obviously affected by the injury. It seemed like it would have to be a serious injury for Evans to just let go of the ball on what would have been a huge catch.
Evans was later carted off with what the team announced was a concussion and a shoulder injury suffered on the same play. He was ruled out for the rest of the game.
He stayed down motionless for a few moments after dropping the pass. He was unsteady walking off the field with trainers at his side. A little later Evans was carted off. ESPN’s Lisa Salters reported from the sideline that Evans was in “excruciating pain” before he was carted off.
Last season Evans missed games but got to 1,000 yards on the season on the final play of the last game. That extended his streak to 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons, tying the NFL record with Jerry Rice. Evans has only 140 yards this season and injuries are a big concern going forward. On Monday night the Buccaneers suddenly found themselves without one of their key players, not knowing when he might return.
