Just a few weeks after working his way back from a broken collarbone, Mike Evans found himself at the center of another scary moment-one that had Buccaneers fans holding their breath on Thursday Night Football.
Late in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons, Evans went up to haul in a pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield. What he didn’t see coming was Falcons rookie defensive back Cobee Bryant closing in fast from behind. Bryant delivered a low hit to Evans’ legs, sending the veteran wide receiver flipping mid-air before crashing down hard on his shoulder.
Given Evans’ recent injury history, particularly the collarbone he’d just recovered from, the fall looked especially concerning. The 32-year-old All-Pro got up under his own power but jogged to the sideline with a visible mix of frustration and discomfort-understandably so. For a player who’s battled through injuries and still maintained elite production, this was the kind of moment that makes you wince, even from the couch.
The reaction was immediate. Social media lit up with concern, criticism, and a fair share of finger-pointing.
Some questioned the legality and intent of the hit, calling it dangerous. Others turned their attention to Mayfield, criticizing the throw that left Evans exposed over the middle.
Whether you chalk it up to a rookie DB making an aggressive play or a quarterback misjudging the window, it was the kind of collision that sparks debate-and raises heart rates.
But in typical Mike Evans fashion, the veteran didn’t stay down for long.
After a brief stint on the sideline, Evans returned to the field and reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most reliable receivers in the game. He finished the night with six catches for 132 yards on 12 targets-a performance that once again showcased his toughness, route-running precision, and ability to make contested catches in traffic.
Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, Evans’ big night wasn’t enough to pull out the win. The Buccaneers fell 29-28 on a last-second field goal, a gut punch in a game that felt within reach. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that Evans appears to have avoided serious injury and continues to play at a high level-despite the physical toll of the season.
For a team still fighting to stay in the playoff conversation, having a healthy and productive Mike Evans down the stretch could make all the difference. And for fans, seeing No. 13 walk off the field under his own power after that kind of hit? That’s a win in itself.