Baker Mayfield challenges Buccaneers to 'fill the shoes' after devastating Mike Evans injury
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost veteran wide receiver and locker-room leader Mike Evans for the foreseeable future when he suffered a broken clavicle and a concussion during Tampa Bay's 24-9 defeat at the Detroit Lions that dropped the Buccaneers to 5-2 this past Monday.
As Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press shared on Thursday, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield suggested he understands others around the league won't be feeling too sorry for the first-place club this fall.
"Everybody" with Buccaneers needs to step up after Mike Evans injury
"We are going to have to find ways to fill the shoes that (Evans left)," Mayfield recently said. "It takes everybody at that point because it is Mike Evans."
Of course, the Buccaneers won't just be without Evans until further notice. Fellow receiver Chris Godwin has thus far played in only two contests coming off the dislocated left ankle, high ankle sprain, fractured fibula and torn deltoid he suffered in October 2024. He has already been ruled out of Tampa Bay's game at the New Orleans Saints (1-6) this coming Sunday with a fibula injury, and his status beyond the Buccaneers' Week 9 bye is unclear. Additionally, Tampa Bay wideout Jalen McMillan hasn't played since he went down with a neck injury in the preseason.
As was the case when Evans was dealing with a hamstring strain earlier this fall, 2025 first-round draft pick Emeka Egbuka will serve as Mayfield's primary target moving forward. Meanwhile, rookie and seventh-round choice Tez Johnson tallied touchdown receptions in each of Tampa Bay's last two games.
What Buccaneers will be without amid Mike Evans' absences
Stories likely will link the Buccaneers with receivers currently attached to other teams ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline. Even if Tampa Bay looks for outside help at the position, the club won't be able to replace what Evans means to the locker room as an on-field contributor and behind-the-scenes captain.
"Devastated to see Mike go down," Johnson recently said. "He is a leader in the room. We know we are all going to stand behind him, praying for him and his family during this time, because this is a hard time for him. He had a lot at stake for this season and a lot that he wanted to accomplish. As his teammates, we are going to continue lift him up and move forward and just play, keeping him in mind every time."
Earlier this week, NFL Media's Tom Pelissero reported that Evans "is expected to miss 6-8 weeks with a possible return in December." Getting Evans back just five games from now would be quite the early Christmas gift for a Tampa Bay side that's looking to do more than just qualify for the playoffs.
Brock Purdy Reportedly Removed from Victoria's Secret After-Party Following Alleged Insult to Veteran Model
In an unexpected turn of events, NFL star Brock Purdy was reportedly escorted out of the Victoria’s Secret after-party following accusations of making offensive remarks towards a veteran model. According to sources close to the incident, the situation unfolded rapidly after
The incident reportedly took place late into the evening at the glamorous after-party, which was filled with high-profile figures from both the fashion and entertainment industries.
Sources claim that Purdy’s remarks were met with immediate disapproval from those around him, including other guests at the party. While the nature of the comments has not been fully disclosed, it was clear that the remarks crossed a line, prompting staff and security to take swift action. Reports indicate that
An insider who was at the event shared, “Brock was warned about his comments more than once, but the situation escalated quickly. He was finally asked to leave after it became clear that his actions were causing a disruption. The decision to remove him from the party was made to prevent any further incidents and maintain the atmosphere of the event.”
As of now, there has been no official statement from Brock Purdy regarding the incident, and it remains unclear how the situation will affect his public image or any future events he may attend. However, the altercation has already attracted attention, with many questioning the athlete’s conduct in social settings outside of his football career.
While some fans have expressed disappointment over the reported incident, others have called for more context before passing judgment. Regardless, this event has undoubtedly brought a spotlight to Purdy’s actions off the field, adding to the conversation about athletes’ behavior in public spaces.
This controversy marks a sharp contrast to the typically composed image athletes strive to maintain, especially in high-profile and exclusive settings like the Victoria's Secret after-party. As more details emerge, both fans and critics alike are closely watching to see how
