So far, it seems like a good start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Two weeks. Two victories. And leading Week 3 opponent with six points. However, one moment of this week against the New York Jets, something felt off. Bucs star receiver Mike Evans was seen losing his cool on the sideline. 

After concluding last season in the Wild Card Round, the Bucs have been putting in all effort to portray themselves as serious Super Bowl contenders. Things were going in the right direction, even against the Jets, until Evans came off the field in the fourth quarter hobbling. He made quite the splash. With frustration boiling over his head, he hit a cooler, making fans worried. 

Finally, the verdict is out. It’s a hamstring injury. Ruled out of the remaining season. 

It happened in the fourth quarter, and he hobbled the entire way to the locker room. Although Evans has endured hamstring injuries in the past. Like for three games in 2024 and three games in 2019. But he knew this time was different.

An official update on his injury would only be released once the game concludes (hopefully in the Bucs’ favor). A loss might break their momentum indefinitely, especially with the star wideout out for the season. 

Before his sideline outburst, the Bucs’ all-time leading scorer had caught four passes for 33 yards and a touchdown—first and sadly, only TD of the season.

This injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Tampa Bay.

They are already shorthanded on the receiving corps with Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan both on Injured Reserve. Godwin has been out since Week 7 of last season against the Ravens. He sustained an ankle injury and returned to practice this Autumn. But his return timeline remains uncertain.

As for McMillan, he went down with a neck injury in the second preseason game and isn’t expected back until Week 9, aka the Bucs’ bye week. 

Things have been so dire that Rookie Emeka Egbuka had to play against the Jets despite dealing with hip and groin issues. While he’s been promising, Tampa Bay can’t leave the entire season upon his shoulders.

For reinforcements, they are most likely to depend on Sterling Shepard and Tez Johnson. Right now, all they can hope for is Godwin’s return by Week 4 against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Eagles. 

Bucs rally to win 29-27

It’s a three-game winning streak. The Buccaneers outscored the Green Gang after all, at 29-27, despite things appearing to fall apart for them in the fourth quarter. In Evans’ absence, quarterback Baker Mayfield had to lead a fast-paced two-minute drill offense.

Then, as a blocked field goal was returned for a touchdown by Tampa Bay, Mayfield seized the moment. He connected with Egbuka on a 28-yard pass. Well, that’s the determination of the Bucs offense led by Mayfield to push forward even if the air is misty. 

Soon after, Mayfield again looked for Egbuka on the opposite sideline, where the rookie succeeded with a catch despite the ball being deflected. Unfortunately, the pass was ruled out of bounds. But the quarterback didn’t wait around much and quickly made a 20-yard pass to Sterling to bring his team a step closer to victory. 

The drive ended with Chase McLaughlin successfully making a 36-yard field goal, a crucial score that kept Tampa Bay’s perfect season intact. The Bucs are now 3-0. But the journey forward isn’t going to be easy. Especially their passing game if Godwin doesn’t return in time. Fingers crossed.