Week 7 came to a screeching halt when Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin came down with devastating injuries. Both are critical to the Buccaneers’ offensive success this season, and their absence will create a significant void for the team and fantasy football managers alike. Adding salt to the wound, Godwin’s injury came in the final two minutes (garbage time) of a 41-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Mike Evans, who made history by becoming the 11th player in NFL history to reach 100 career receiving touchdowns, was taken to the sideline to be evaluated in the second quarter after catching a 25-yard touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield on the opening drive. Still, he was able to walk it off, with what appeared to be a mild twisted ankle. It was when the “Gus Swayze” came out of Mayfield and attempted to connect again when Evans injured his hamstring lunging for a deep ball. With Evans likely to miss time, his injury raises serious concerns about the Buccaneers’ passing game moving forward.
Mike Evans appeared to reaggravate the hamstring injury he was already playing with. He was able to walk off the field to the locker room. pic.twitter.com/ZnViE0C2r4
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 22, 2024
Nearing the end of the game Chris Godwin dislocated his ankle after being tackled from behind. The Bucs look to be without both of their top wideouts, and Godwin’s injury is likely season-ending. This is a devastating blow to an offense already on the ropes, as Godwin was tied for the league lead in receiving touchdowns with Evans through the first six weeks.
Chris Godwin –
Appears to suffer a Left ankle fracture/dislocation.
Tampa Bay now down Godwin rest of season and Mike Evans for several weeks. Absolutely brutal.
pic.twitter.com/xTKmuMCHRW— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 22, 2024
Buccaneers “Next Man Up”
Production will be hard to find for fantasy managers. Cade Otton should be getting more usage in the passing game after eight catches for 100 yards through Week 7. Tampa Bay may also rely on their running backs—Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker, with White possibly seeing his target share elevated as a receiver out of the backfield.
Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer are guys worth testing in deeper leagues who have question marks about consistency, but wide receivers, nonetheless. For everyone involved, Tampa Bay’s offense will have to adjust quickly to the loss of its top weapons, and the same can be said about Mayfield’s fantasy value moving forward without his two primary targets.
Read More:
- San Francisco 49ers: Fantasy Football Elite Players to Target for Week 8
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers Backfield Set: Rachaad White and Bucky Irving Cleared for Eagles Clash
- San Francisco 49ers Ricky Pearsall’s Remarkable Comeback
- San Francisco 49ers: Jauan Jennings Taking Over In Deebo Samuel’s Absence
- San Francisco 49ers: Is The Sensational Jauan Jennings a Must-Start in Week 4?
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