In the highly anticipated Monday Night Football matchup featuring the Ravens and Buccaneers, Tampa Bay fans were dealt a double whammy: not only did their team lose 41-31, but they also faced injuries to both of their star wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Evans kicked off the game strongly, marking his 100th career touchdown. However, he appeared to re-injure his hamstring while trying for a second touchdown in the first half.
#MikeEvans @Buccaneers
Aggravates hamstring and drops 2nd TD pass
Too locker room and likely done
Both WR1 #BALvsTB injured pic.twitter.com/8b3rkbD5eh— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) October 22, 2024
As the game approached its final minute and the team trailed by 10 points, Godwin made a 21-yard reception. Unfortunately, he suffered what has been described as a dislocated ankle. The 28-year-old wide receiver was then carted off the field.
During the play, Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith landed on Godwin awkwardly, leading to an injury severe enough that the ESPN commentary team opted not to show a replay.
🚨WARNING: GRAPHIC🚨#Bucs star receiver Chris Godwin is being carted off the field, his leg was air casted, after what appears to be a devastating leg injury.
The video is gruesome.
40 seconds left in the game down by 10 points and still in there
pic.twitter.com/EKlO3MK3ju— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) October 22, 2024
It is important to remember that Godwin had previously endured a torn ACL/MCL towards the end of the 2021 season but has since posted three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Over his eight-year career, since being drafted in the third round from Penn State, he has accumulated 7,201 yards on 572 receptions, along with a total of 41 touchdowns.
The Buccaneers will need to muster their strength in the face of this adversity, as quarterback Baker Mayfield will now have to navigate the season without both Evans and Godwin.
Consequently, Tampa Bay’s record currently sits at 4-3, placing them in a tie with the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South division. They are set to face the Falcons next Sunday, October 27, at 1:00 pm ET.
Image Source: Steve Jacobson / Shutterstock
