Just weeks after making his return from a broken collarbone, Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans endured a scary moment on Thursday Night Football that had fans across Tampa Bay holding their breath.
During the matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, Evans leapt to catch a pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield, unaware that rookie defensive back Cobee Bryant was charging in from behind.
A Hit That Left Everyone Wincing
Bryant connected with Evans at the legs, sending the 32-year-old All-Pro flipping through the air and landing hard on his shoulder.
The collision looked particularly alarming given Evans’ recent injury, raising immediate concerns about the possibility of re-aggravating his broken collarbone.
Evans quickly jogged to the sideline, his face showing brief concern, before assessments confirmed he was okay.
Social Media Reacts
Fans took to social media in a flurry of shock and concern.
Comments ranged from calls for Evans to retire, to outrage over what many saw as a dangerous hit.
“It’s time to hang ‘em up Unc,” one fan wrote.
“Bro was trying to end Mike Evans’ football career prematurely,” another posted.
Some blamed Mayfield for the risky pass, noting the challenge of sending the ball to a 6’5” receiver with recent injuries.
The moment sparked a heated discussion online, but relief quickly followed when Evans returned to the field.
Evans Back in Action
Despite the scare, Evans shook off the hit and continued contributing for the Buccaneers.
He finished the game with six catches for 132 yards on 12 targets, showing his trademark resilience and skill.
Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, the game ended in heartbreak with a 29-28 loss on a last-second field goal, but Evans’ return and durability were the key takeaways for fans and teammates alike.
A Reminder of the Risks of Football
The incident served as a stark reminder of the dangers players face every game, especially for those coming off injuries.
Evans’ ability to bounce back and remain competitive highlights both his toughness and the high stakes of professional football.
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