Did Mike Evans’ broken collarbone just end his season? Buccaneers star faces painful setback
Mike Evans leaves the field after suffering a broken collarbone against the Lions. Image Source: RapSheet/X
Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans received devastating news Monday night after star wide receiver Mike Evans suffered a broken collarbone during the team’s 24-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. The 32-year-old veteran was carted off the field in visible pain, and head coach Todd Bowles confirmed Evans will miss most of the remainder of the 2025 NFL season.
Mike Evans Injury: What Happened During the Game
Evans’ injury occurred late in the second quarter as he tried to haul in a deep pass from Baker Mayfield. While tracking the ball, he collided midair with Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, crashing hard onto the turf and striking his head and shoulder. Evans appeared briefly unconscious before walking off the field with medical staff assistance and was later carted to the locker room.
Initially ruled out with a concussion and shoulder injury, further evaluation revealed a broken clavicle, confirming the worst fears for the Buccaneers’ offense. ESPN’s sideline reporter Laura Rutledge described Evans as being in “excruciating pain” before leaving the field.
Coach Bowles Confirms Severity and Timeline
Speaking after the game, Coach Todd Bowles confirmed the broken collarbone diagnosis, noting that Evans would likely be out “for most of the year.” While not a season-ending injury, recovery timelines for such fractures typically span six to eight weeks, which could allow a possible December return if rehabilitation progresses well.
“He’ll be out mostly toward the end of the year. We’ll see what happens,” Bowles told reporters. “It’s a blow, especially with how hard he worked to come back.”
Evans had only just returned from a three-game absence caused by a hamstring injury. His comeback lasted a brief 13 snaps, during which he was targeted four times but did not register a catch.
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What This Means for the Buccaneers
The loss of Evans, one of the NFL’s most consistent wide receivers, is a major setback for the 5-2 Buccaneers, who are fighting for NFC playoff positioning. Rookie Emeka Egbuka (nursing a hamstring injury) and veteran Sterling Shepard are expected to shoulder more responsibility, alongside Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson, and Ryan Miller.
The team is also without Chris Godwin Jr., sidelined with a fibula injury, leaving Tampa Bay’s receiving corps thin as they prepare for upcoming matchups.
Evans’ streak of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, a record since his rookie year in 2014, will officially end this year, a remarkable run that underscored his consistency and dominance.
Can Mike Evans Return for the Playoffs?
While a six-to-eight-week recovery window leaves room for optimism, Evans’ health and game readiness will depend on the team’s playoff prospects. If Tampa Bay secures a postseason berth, he could make a comeback in late December or early January, potentially giving the offense a huge boost.
Bowles emphasized the team’s need to stay resilient:
“It’s never good to see your star player go down like that. We’ve managed without him before, and we’ll have to do it again.”
Mike Evans’ Legacy and Impact
Even in a shortened season, Evans’ impact on the franchise remains undeniable. A six-time Pro Bowler and key figure in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV victory, he’s amassed more than 11,000 career receiving yards and 94 touchdowns.
His toughness, leadership, and connection with Mayfield have been crucial to Tampa Bay’s offense, and his absence will test the team’s depth and adaptability heading into the crucial midseason stretch.
The Mike Evans injury is a significant blow not just to the Buccaneers but to the entire NFL community that has admired his consistency and competitive spirit. While his record streak ends, his story is far from over, fans will be hoping for a late-season return and a signature playoff moment from one of the league’s most dependable stars.
FAQ
1. What happened to Mike Evans?
Mike Evans suffered a broken collarbone during the Buccaneers’ Week 7 loss to the Detroit Lions. He was injured while attempting to catch a deep pass from Baker Mayfield.
2. How long will Mike Evans be out?
Evans is expected to miss six to eight weeks, which means he could potentially return in December if his recovery goes smoothly.
3. Is Mike Evans out for the season?
Not officially, but he will miss most of the 2025 regular season. A playoff return remains possible depending on his rehab progress.
4. What was Mike Evans’ injury before this?
Before his collarbone injury, Evans missed three games due to a hamstring issue, making this his second major injury of the season.
5. Will Mike Evans’ 1,000-yard streak continue?
No. The injury officially ends Evans’ 11-year streak of consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, one of the longest in NFL history.
6. Who will replace Mike Evans in the Buccaneers lineup?
With Evans out, Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard, and Tez Johnson are expected to see increased roles in the offense.
7. Can Mike Evans return for the playoffs?
Yes, if Tampa Bay secures a playoff berth and Evans’ recovery stays on track, he could be back for the postseason.
