2 min read • December 20, 2021
Posted in
Tampa Bay's league leading offense was shut out in New Orleans Sunday night and the team lost three offensive stars in Chris Godwin, Mike Evans and Leonard Fournette.
By video, ProFootballDoc, Dr. David Chao, said Godwin is dealing with the most severe injury and will miss the most time.
Godwin suffered a knee hyperextension and MCL sprain when he was hit by Saints cornerback P.J. Williams on a catch in the second quarter, Chao said. The 25-year-old remained on the sideline with his knee taped and did not return to the game.
An MRI Monday revealed Godwin also suffered a torn ACL which requires season-ending surgery.
Godwin finishes the season with 98 catches for 1,103 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Mike Evans and Leonard Fournette both suffered hamstring strains in the loss to the Saints.
Evans is a longshot to play next week against the Panthers, but if the injury is minor, as reported, he could return to be effective in Week 17, Chao said.
Fournette, the Buccaneers leading rusher, appeared to suffer a more severe hamstring strain, Chao said.
The 26-year-old left after a run early in the third quarter and was quickly ruled out.
By video, Fournette was spun around and landed awkwardly in a split stance. His right hip flexed and knee buckled, inducing a proximal strain, which can be more long lasting, Chao said.
Fournette is undoubtedly out for next Sunday's contest against the Panthers and possibly longer depending on the severity of the strain, Chao said.
Ronald Jones II and Ke'Shawn Vaughn will handle the running back duties for the Buccaneers with Gio Bernard on IR due to a hip injury.
Tampa Bay plays the Panthers (5-9), the Jets (3-11) and the Panthers in the final three games of the season. They need just one win to clinch the NFC South.
Written by
