the bucks lost 41-31 Monday Night Football And they may have lost their season in the process.
Not only did they have the embarrassment of a defense that allowed over 500 total yards, 244 rushing yards, and over eight yards per carry, but they also had an offense that failed to score on six consecutive possessions through the second and third quarters of the game. Beyond that, the Bucks lost both times. using their star wide receiver for an indeterminate amount of time.
But in either case, it will likely be quite some time before Mike Evans or Chris Godwin are on the field in Tampa Bay, unfortunately.
Mike Evans played hurt – and hurt unnecessarily.

Bucks WR Mike Evans – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Mike Evans injured his hamstring in Week 6 against the Saints. The way he pulled himself up lame was clearly quite taxing. He did not practice most of the week before being listed as a limited participant on Saturday.
Despite scoring his 100th career receiving touchdown, Evans still looked noticeably weakened after the Bucs’ first drive Monday night. Because of this, some openly questioned whether letting Evans play this week instead of sitting him was the best course of action, especially given that a crucial divisional game is just six days away.
Mike Evans currently has 100 career TD receptions and continues to solidify his status as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/mQROJfJSG3
— Ali Maylov (@MySportsUpdate) October 22, 2024
After just two drives, I got a sore hamstring that everyone was worried about.
Bucks WR Mike Evans injured
And this is why you won’t try to play through a hamstring injury
Re-injury rates are high, and re-injuries are always worse than the first injury
He is expected to be out for about 4 weeks#WereTheCrew #AskFFT #BALvsTB pic.twitter.com/PGQPYytUc8
— Sebastian Fearon DPT, CSCS, OCS (@TheDegenDoc) October 22, 2024
Evans, who has battled hamstring injuries for most of his career, appeared to be in more pain than I’ve ever seen him, at least not before. He writhed in pain behind the end zone for several minutes before being rescued. Field by trainer.
Given how quickly he was taken out of the game, there’s a good chance he’ll miss multiple games — possibly the next three until the bye week. Should he have been in the game in the first place? The opportunity cost of getting a healthier star receiver for a key divisional game following a critical period that includes 14 days of complete rest and the next four conference games to play in a prime-time game is more Is it worth the risk of serious injury? 5 weeks?
Hindsight says 20/20, but foresight told me this was a bad move.
Bucks don’t learn from past mistakes


Bucks safety Antwon Winfield Jr. – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Remember everything from Week 1? The Bucks defeated the Washington Commanders 37-20 in a game that was nearly over with more than half to play. The final five minutes of that game were largely forgettable, except for the Bucks’ final defensive play.
The play left All-Pro free safety Antoine Winfield Jr. with a foot injury that will cause him to miss the next four games. It was an unnecessary injury sustained in stoppage time of a match that had been scheduled a long time ago. And it cost the Bucks one of their best players for a month.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles wouldn’t let that happen again, right?
right? !
We need to start resting our key players for next week’s ATL. If we lose another AWJ-style starter, there will be a riot.
— Joshua Quaipo (@josh_queipo) October 22, 2024
I tweeted this at 10:26pm. It happened before the fourth quarter, just after the Ravens scored their fourth touchdown and took a 34-10 lead. Was it too early to suggest using a starting pitcher when there were still 17 minutes left in the game? probably. Were the feelings that followed right after that the right ones? Absolutely.
Scott Reynolds posted the exact same sentiment a minute later from his Pewter Report X account.
Honestly, it’s time to get a starter and wave the white flag. That’s it.
Sunday’s Falcons game is very important for America #backs More than a garbage time touchdown.
— Pewter Report
(@PewterReport) October 22, 2024
With 1:04 left in the game, there was no reason for the Bucs to still be the starters. That’s when Chris Godwin suffered a severe foot injury after completing a 21-yard catch-and-run, requiring an immediate air cast on the field.


Bucks WR Chris Godwin – Photo courtesy of USA Today
At the time of the injury, the Bucks were trailing by just 10 points, but some might argue they still had a good chance to tie the game and force overtime. That’s a ton of crap.
For anyone who claims the game was still within reach when Godwin got injured…anyone…I provide Exhibit A as to why you are most definitely wrong. pic.twitter.com/euNEKQ6Xmk
— Joshua Quaipo (@josh_queipo) October 22, 2024
Mike Evans’ injury looks serious. Godwin’s case is even worse. He was initially diagnosed with a dislocated ankle, which ended his season.
The decision to play Evans was questionable.
The decision to keep Godwin is indefensible.
#backs WR Chris Godwin is scheduled to undergo surgery on a dislocated ankle this week, according to sources. He is scheduled to see a doctor today to assess the injury and is expected to make a full recovery by the time he becomes a free agent in 2025.
Godwin had 576 receiving yards in his career, which ranks second in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/UPVOqFwjXT
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 22, 2024
Through seven games now, the Bucks’ offense is 1,752 yards Through the air. Godwin and Evans account for more than 50% of that number. And now both will be missing in the near future. This is a blow to the offense, the team, and the organization’s playoff chances.
And it was unnecessary.
Although Evans doesn’t value personal accolades, the consecutive 1,000-yard season record is still a feather in his cap, and it was clear he was enjoying it. That record is now in real jeopardy. Godwin is in the final year of his contract, finally playing like he was before his injury, and looking to sign one last big contract. It is now in potential jeopardy.
Nothing good comes of this. And it was avoidable.
However, neither injury was inevitable. Todd Bowles faced questions in his postgame press conference regarding his decision-making in both situations. He will have more action at the next presser on Tuesday at 4 p.m.
And Wednesday. And over the coming weeks and months.
If the Bucs’ season goes awry because the team has yet to find a reliable receiver other than Evans or Godwin. A blowout loss in Week 8 while competing for first place in the division against a Falcons team that went to overtime just two weeks ago. If you end up with a losing record. These two pivotal decisions could cost Bowles his job.
And it was avoidable.