Mike Evans ruled out of Bucs-Ravens game with hamstring injury

Mike Evans left Monday's 41-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens with a hamstring injury and will not return.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver clutched his right thigh in pain after a pass breakup in the end zone and remained on the ground for several moments. He was eventually able to get up and limp to the locker room.

The Buccaneers quickly ruled him out with a hamstring injury.

The play took place on a second-quarter deep pass from Baker Mayfield on second-and-7 to the back of the end zone. Evans got his hands on the ball but dropped it on a hit by cornerback Brandon Stephens, who was in coverage.

Evans was in pain as soon as he hit the turf. He didn't need help off the field, but went straight to the locker room without getting checked out on the sideline.

To make matters worse, fellow star Bucs receiver Chris Godwin also left injured in the final minute of the game with a left leg injury. He was carted off the field.

Evans entered Monday's game already dealing with hamstring issues. He was limited last week against the New Orleans Saints with a hamstring injury. He played through it against New Orleans but missed two days of practice this past week before returning to a limited session on Saturday in preparation for Monday's game.

The Bucs eventually cleared him to play, and he caught a touchdown in the first quarter before leaving with the injury before halftime.

The injury is a tough blow for a 4-2 Buccaneers team that's been clicking on offense in the opening weeks of the season. If Evans misses multiple weeks, the Bucs will be forced to adjust without their top receiving option.