Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans held their breath Monday night as star wide receiver Mike Evans, just back from a hamstring injury, was carted off the field during a 24-9 loss to the Detroit Lions—and the news since has only gotten worse. Evans suffered a broken clavicle (collarbone) and a concussion on a violent second-quarter play, leaving his 2025 season—and perhaps his historic receiving streak—in serious doubt.
The Injury Play-by-Play
Evans, a six-time Pro Bowler and the Bucs’ all-time leading scorer, was targeted on a deep pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield with just over five minutes left in the first half. Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin defended the play, and as Evans came down, his head and shoulder slammed into the turf. He lay motionless for several seconds, appearing to briefly lose consciousness, while teammates and medical staff rushed to his side.
The scene was tense: Evans needed assistance to stand and was eventually carted to the locker room, visibly in pain. He was immediately ruled out for the rest of the game—a game the Bucs would go on to lose, dropping their record to 5-2.
Diagnosis and Timeline
Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed after the game that Evans has a broken clavicle and will “be out mostly toward the end of the year,” though he left the door slightly ajar for a possible late-season return. Initial reports suggest a recovery timeline of six to eight weeks, which could theoretically allow Evans to return for the playoffs—if the Bucs make it that far. However, given the severity of the injury and the fact that Evans is also dealing with a concussion, the team is preparing for the worst-case scenario: a season without their top receiver.
The Streak in Peril
Evans’ injury is a crushing blow not just for the Buccaneers’ playoff hopes, but for NFL history. The 32-year-old had recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons—a streak matched only by Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. With just 14 catches for 140 yards and one touchdown in four games this year, and now facing a lengthy absence, that remarkable streak is almost certainly over.
“Mike Evans has 14 catches for 140 yards and one TD in four games this season. With tonight's injury, his incredible streak of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons is effectively over. But the door is open to return for the postseason push,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero noted on social media.
Ripple Effects for the Buccaneers
The Bucs’ receiving corps, already thin due to injuries, is now in crisis. Veteran Chris Godwin is out with a fibula injury, and rookie Emeka Egbuka, while active Monday, is also nursing a hamstring issue. Evans’ absence leaves a massive void in the offense, putting even more pressure on Mayfield and the rest of the squad to step up during a critical stretch of the season.
Expert Insight
“This is a brutal blow for the veteran, who was just returning from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss the past three games,” noted Pro Football Rumors, capturing the sentiment around the league. Evans’ resilience and production have been hallmarks of his career, but at 32 and with multiple injuries piling up, questions about his durability and future are inevitable.
What’s Next for Evans and the Bucs?
For now, Evans will focus on recovery, with the team and fans holding out hope for a late-season comeback. The Bucs, meanwhile, must regroup quickly—their playoff aspirations may hinge on how well they can adapt without their offensive centerpiece.
As for Evans’ place in NFL history, even if the streak ends, his legacy as one of the game’s most consistent and clutch receivers is secure. But for a player who has defied the odds so many times before, this latest setback is perhaps the toughest yet.
Sources
1.
Mike Evans' Injury Diagnosis Determined – KTRH2.
Pewter Report – Latest Bucs News3.
Bucs' Mike Evans suffers broken collarbone in loss to Lions – ESPN4.
Buccaneers WR Mike Evans to miss most of remainder of 2025 season – NFL.com5.
Mike Evans out with concussion, shoulder injury – NBC Sports6.
Mike Evans Suffers Broken Clavicle, Expected To Miss Most Of Season – Pro Football Rumors7.
Buccaneers' Mike Evans (hamstring), Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) both active Monday vs. Lions – NFL.com
Sources
1. Mike Evans' Injury Diagnosis Determined
2. Pewter Report | Buccaneers News | Latest Bucs News
3. Bucs' Mike Evans suffers broken collarbone in loss to Lions
4. Buccaneers WR Mike Evans to miss most of remainder ...
5. Mike Evans out with concussion, shoulder injury
6. Mike Evans Suffers Broken Clavicle, Expected To Miss ...
7. Buccaneers' Mike Evans (hamstring), Emeka Egbuka ...
