Bucs lose Chris Godwin, Mike Evans and Leonard Fournette to injuries in loss to Saints

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers was hit hard by the injury error in Sunday night’s crucial NFC South match against New Orleans Saints and it showed. The Saints gave brave cat only the third loss of his career in a 9-0 win.

Wide receiver Chris Godwin (right knee) and Mike Evans (hamstring) was forced to leave the game in the first half and was ruled out after halftime. In the third quarter, run again Leonard Fournette left the match with a hamstring injury and was also quickly disqualified. Report by NFL Media Godwin has an MCL sprain, unlikely to finish the 2021 season.

The broadcast did not appear to show a specific play in which Evans was injured, but the NBC broadcast reported that Evans had come to the sidelines and indicated that his hamstring was bothering him, then later returned to the field to play another game, at the end of the game made him look frustrated and threw his gloves at the fans. That’s when the Bucs announced his injury.

Godwin caught a third down midfield pass early in the second half, and was immediately blocked by a Saints corner. PJ Williams. Williams delivers a low blow to Godwin, seemingly hitting the receiver’s knee. Playback videos show Godwin bending his knees in an awkward direction, and he’s still lying on the field after the TV timer runs out.

Godwin was eventually able to get up and walk out onto the field on his own, but he was immediately taken into the green medical tent on the sidelines for further evaluation. He was replaced in the squad after that by Scotty Miller. Jaelon Darden joined Miller and Tyler Johnson on the field in three wide receivers, with Evans also out.

At one point Godwin is seen outside the tent, jogging along the sideline, seems to be checking the knee. The NBC broadcast reported that Godwin was attempting to sprint, cut, and change direction, while discussing with coaches whether he would return to the game.

Godwin, 25, has been Brady’s top target this season. He entered Sunday night’s game with 92 catches, second in NFL just behind Cooper Kupp. He also had 1,054 ball receptions and 5 touchdowns. He’s been playing on the franchise card this season and is likely to hit free agent for the first time this winter.