Buccaneers lose WR Evans to broken collarbone

DETROIT — Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans suffered a broken collarbone during Monday night’s 24-9 loss to the Detroit Lions, an injury that will sideline him for most of the remaining season, according to coach Todd Bowles.

«He’ll be out mostly toward the end of the year,» Bowles said of a potential timetable for Evans to return. «We’ll see what happens.»

Evans, who also sustained a concussion, was carted to the locker room in the second quarter after Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin tackled him on a deep pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield. Evans’ head hit the turf as he and Ya-Sin tumbled. Ya-Sin got up immediately and was uninjured.

Evans was down for several seconds after the play, grimacing but motionless while Mayfield stared in disbelief. Tight end Cade Otton, running back Rachaad White and left tackle Tristan Wirfs huddled around Evans as he was being tended to by the athletic training staff, with rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka kneeling at his side.

Bucs longtime defensive captain Lavonte David and Bowles walked onto the field to check on Evans while his offensive teammates returned to the huddle. Evans needed additional time and assistance before leaving the field.

«I was just worried about him,» Otton told ESPN. «I didn’t really know what was going on at the time, so just letting them know that I’m there for him and that’s all you can do in that moment. … Obviously he’s the leader on the team, great teammate, great person. So just want him to have a speedy recovery.»

Egbuka said Evans appeared to be unconscious when he ran up to him, «so I was just praying that he was waking up, got down on a knee and prayed with him.»

He was encouraged by his teammate being in good spirits after the game.

«He’s someone who’s very strong-willed, so it’s really hard to break him,» Egbuka said. «So it was very unfortunate to see that, but I know he’s in the Lord’s hands.»

Monday marked Evans’ first game back since suffering a hamstring strain in Week 3.

«It’s never good to see one of your stars go down like that — especially when coming back,» Bowles said. «Everybody was excited to see him. It’s a tough blow. … We’ve just got to regroup and come back.»

The injury means Evans’ streak of 1,000-yard seasons is likely to end. He’s the only player in league history to record 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons, and had he done so again in 2025, would have broken Jerry Rice’s record for consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in NFL history.

Evans moved into a tie with Rice last season, reaching the milestone on the last play of the Bucs’ regular-season finale against the New Orleans Saints. Rice had given Evans his blessing this summer to go beat the record.

«It’s very unfortunate, but Mike’s a professional,» Mayfield said. «He’ll handle it the best way he possibly can. Being injured, not being able to play is one thing, but I know Mike will be there and support the guys no matter what, and that’s really just a testament to who he is. That’s not easy to do. Sometimes it’s hard to stand around and watch when you know you want to be out there contributing, but Mike will help our guys out any way he can.»