In a devastating turn of events, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were dealt a massive blow during their 41-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night. Not only did they suffer a lopsided defeat on the field, but they also lost their two star wide receivers, Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, to potentially season-altering injuries.
Godwin’s Season Likely Over, Evans Out Until After Bye
According to Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, Chris Godwin will likely miss the remainder of the season after suffering a dislocated left ankle late in the fourth quarter. The injury occurred when Godwin was tackled from behind by Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith, with his ankle getting caught beneath Smith during the tackle.
Chris will probably be out for the year.
– Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach
While Bowles left open the possibility of Godwin returning later in the season, the prognosis for Mike Evans is slightly more optimistic. The veteran receiver, who was already dealing with a hamstring strain entering the game, aggravated the injury while attempting to catch a pass in the end zone during the second quarter. Evans is expected to miss time, likely until after the Buccaneers’ Week 11 bye.
Controversial Tackle Under Review
The tackle that led to Godwin’s injury is currently under review by the NFL, as it appears to have all the elements of a controversial “hip-drop” tackle. If deemed as such, Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith could face a fine for the play that ended Godwin’s season.
Buccaneers Offense in Jeopardy
The loss of Godwin and Evans deals a significant blow to the Buccaneers’ offense, as the duo entered the game tied for the league lead with five touchdown receptions each. Quarterback Baker Mayfield referred to them as a “huge heartbeat of this team,” underlining their importance to Tampa Bay’s offensive success.
Chris Godwin and Mike Evans are a huge heartbeat of this team.
– Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback
Evans’ Milestone Moment Marred by Injury
Before his injury, Mike Evans managed to secure his place in NFL history by catching his 100th career touchdown pass, becoming just the 11th player to achieve this feat. However, his pursuit of tying Jerry Rice’s record of 14 consecutive seasons with 1,000 receiving yards may be in jeopardy due to the hamstring injury.
Godwin’s Injury History Raises Concerns
For Chris Godwin, this is the second major career-threatening injury he has faced in recent years. In Week 15 of the 2021 season, Godwin tore his ACL and MCL, but had recently returned to form, with teammates and coaches noting his impressive recovery. This latest setback is a devastating blow for the talented receiver.
Buccaneers’ Path Forward
As the Buccaneers move forward without their top two receivers, they will need to rely on the depth of their roster to maintain their offensive productivity. The team will look to the likes of Julio Jones, Russell Gage, and Tyler Johnson to step up and fill the void left by Godwin and Evans.
The coming weeks will be critical for the Buccaneers as they navigate the challenges presented by these significant injuries. The team’s resilience and ability to adapt will be put to the test as they strive to keep their playoff aspirations alive in a competitive NFC South division.
