Sep 21, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) warms up before a game against the New York Jets at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Buccaneers hit hard with brutal injury news on star WR Mike Evans

Originally posted on Tampa Bay Buccaneers on SI
By Dustin Lewis | Last updated Oct 20, 2025 11:09 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reeling following their second loss of the 2025 season. For most of the night, the Buccaneers had no answers for the Detroit Lions, falling on the road, 24-9.

To make matters worse, a banged up offense will be without another key player for an extended period of time.

Star wide receiver Mike Evans was injured in the second quarter while attempting to catch a deep ball from quarterback Baker Mayfield. Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin made contact with Evans as the pass arrived, resulting in a violent collision to the turf.

Evans stayed down for a few minutes, ultimately walking to the sideline before he was carted back to the locker room. The Buccaneers quickly ruled him out due to a concussion and right shoulder injury.

Prayers for Mike Evans after this #concussion & shoulder injury.
Worth listening to the broadcasters strain to avoid suggesting a possible concussion.
Gentlemen. hamstring & shoulder injuries don't make you lie COMPLETELY still like you are unconscious... pic.twitter.com/Q1ggTv8Tby
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) October 21, 2025

Tampa Bay received unfortunate news on Evans following the game.

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans In Danger Of Missing Most Of 2025 Season

David Reginek-Imagn Images

Head coach Todd Bowles addressed the media after the Buccaneers' defeat. Bowles revealed that Evans suffered a broken clavicle along with his concussion. The injury is expected to keep the veteran wide receiver out for most of the year.

To say the least, this is a major blow for the franchise. Evans was already working his way back from a hamstring strain that kept him out of the last three games. His 1,000+ receiving yards streak is in big danger of coming to an end.

Todd Bowles says Mike Evans has a broken clavicle and will be out for most of the year pic.twitter.com/yKp8Q4Ya4n
— River Wells (@riverhwells) October 21, 2025

In three appearances this season, Evans has caught 14 passes for 140 yards and one touchdown. His average yards per catch (10) and average yards per game (46.7) are the worst of his career.

At the very least, Evans probably won't be able to take the field again until December. If he suits up against the New Orleans Saints in Week 14, he would have to average 172 receiving yards per game in Tampa Bay's final five contests of the regular season to reach the 1K mark. That's unlikely.

Evans has accumulated 1,000+ yards in 11 consecutive seasons since the Buccaneers drafted him in 2014, an NFL record. He is tied with legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000+ yards seasons at any point in a players' career. Evans was looking to surpass Rice this year but that's now in serious doubt.

The Buccaneers are already missing multiple starters on offense, including running back Bucky Irving, wide receiver Chris Godwin, right tackle Luke Goedeke, and right guard Cody Mauch.