TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans experienced a rollercoaster of emotions Monday night in a 41-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Wide receiver Mike Evans reached a historic milestone, only to be followed by potentially devastating injuries to both Evans and fellow receiver Chris Godwin.
Evans caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield in the first quarter, marking the 100th touchdown reception of his career. This accomplishment places him among an elite group of NFL receivers, including Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Marvin Harrison, and Terrell Owens, to reach this milestone within their first 11 seasons.
Unfortunately, Evans, who had been dealing with a hamstring issue leading up to the game, appeared to aggravate the injury during the touchdown play. He remained on the ground for several minutes before being helped off the field and ultimately ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Adding to the concern, later in the game, Chris Godwin suffered a potentially season-ending injury. A seemingly routine tackle by Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith left Godwin on the ground with a vacuum splint on his lower left leg. He was carted off the field, leaving the Buccaneers’ offense, and fans, reeling.
Coach Todd Bowles’ decision to keep his starters in the game despite a significant deficit and dwindling time will likely be scrutinized, especially in light of Godwin’s injury. While a comeback was still mathematically possible, the risk of injury to key players may outweigh the potential reward in a preseason game.
The Buccaneers are now left to grapple with the potential loss of two key offensive weapons. The severity of both injuries is not yet known, but their absence will undoubtedly be a major blow to the team.
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