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The Buccaneers lose top receivers Evans and Godwin to injuries, a double-digit loss to the Ravens
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The Buccaneers lose top receivers Evans and Godwin to injuries, a double-digit loss to the Ravens

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The sight of Mike Evans sprawled on the ground in the back of the end zone, then hobbling with a hamstring injury, was bad enough. When Tampa Bay’s other top receiver, Chris Godwin, went down in the final minute of a 41-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, an already frustrating evening became even more disappointing for the Buccaneers.

“My heart is heavy right now,” quarterback Baker Mayfield said. “This shouldn’t happen to any of your people.”

Evans left the game early after catching one earlier 25-yard TD pass by Mayfield and became the 11th player in NFL history with at least 100 career touchdown receptions. He also joined Hall of Famers Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Marvin Harrison and Terrell Owens as the only players to reach the 100 mark in his first 11 seasons.

Godwin injured his left ankle late in the fourth quarter with the game out of reach, and coach Todd Bowles had to explain why Godwin – who had gotten off to the best start of his career – was still on the field.

Especially since Evans was already dealing with a painful injury that the Bowles described last week.

“He is a player. We’re trying to win the ball game. We were still tied at 10, we’re trying to get extra points and get another onside kick,” Bowles said. “It just happened. With Mike (Evans) out, we didn’t have as many receivers left, so we’re playing what we’ve got.”

Evans, who missed two days of practice last week, appeared to aggravate the injury while scoring. In the second quarter, Mayfield nearly hit him in the end zone, but this time the ball bounced off Evans’ hands as he and Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens went to the ground.

Evans remained on the ground for several minutes before getting to his feet and limping to the locker room.

Mayfield said he couldn’t remember ever being part of a team that lost two players who meant as much to the Bucs as Godwin and Evans in the same game.

“Definitely not two of the guys who are the heartbeat of this team,” the quarterback said.

“But like I said, we have to find a way. … We’ll play Atlanta at home next week for first place in the division,” Mayfield added. “Guys have to show up. That’s just how it is. There’s no other way to get around it.”

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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