Tampa Bay Buccaneers longtime star wide receiver Mike Evans' highly anticipated return from a hamstring strain in Week 7 was abruptly halted by another ailment. He suffered a concussion and shoulder malady in the team's 24-9 loss to the Detroit Lions; unfortunately, the latter problem is a long-term concern.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that Evans broke his clavicle against the Lions and will be sideline "mostly toward the end of the year." It's a crushing development for a banged-up Tampa Bay squad, specfically at receiver, that has a massive trickle-down effect beyond the outcome in Detroit.
As members of the Krewe are well aware of, the brutal news comes with historic ramifications. Evans stands alone as the only player ever to record 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to begin their NFL career. His streak effectively came to an end versus the Lions, as did the chance to surpass Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the overall record.
Buccaneers WR Mike Evans' historic 1,000-yard streak all but snapped after latest injury update
Evans had a prime chance to accomplish a feat even someone who many consider the greatest wideout the league has seen didn't. Alas, that opportunity was taken from him in the blink of an eye. That's the nature of being a professional athlete, especially in a sport as violent as football.
Considering Evans missed the three games prior to Tampa Bay's defeat in Detroit, Evans was already facing an uphill battle. Moreover, he's probably more worried about the Bucs' 2025 outlook and not thinking about his personal accolades as much as fans are, if at all. But seeing a franchise cornerstone and future Canton entry deprived of an achievement emblematic of the consistency, longevity and excellence we've seen from him string.
Evans was notably ruled out shortly after getting carted off the field in the Bucs' defeat at the hands of the Lions. That's typically an ominous sign that should've told fans a lengthy absence was coming, though many presumably thought it was because of the brain injury. However, Bowles confirmed that the quick designation was due to the collarbone.
Before exiting in the second quarter of the contest versus the Lions, Evans had zero catches on four targets. He nearly hauled in what would've been a huge reception on the play that saw him get hurt.