The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a costly 24-9 defeat to the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football, losing more than just the game.
Star wide receiver Mike Evans fractured his collarbone during the contest, an injury that could keep him out for most of the remaining regular season.
The Buccaneers now sit at 5-2 and face significant questions about their offensive capabilities without their top target alongside Baker Mayfield.
Despite the setback, not everyone believes Tampa Bay’s season is in jeopardy.
Former Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy offered a confident outlook on the team’s playoff potential during an appearance on The Arena: Gridiron, making a bold prediction about their final record.
“I still believe they can be 13-4. For sure. Here’s the reason why. The schedule is favorable, still. It is…. Mike (Evans) hasn’t been there, and they’ve still been playing well. I think the bigger issue was Emeka (Egbuka) wasn’t healthy. If he was healthy, because if you noticed, they was just doubling him and making everybody else beat you,” McCoy said.
"The schedule is favorable. Mike Evans hasn't been there and they are still playing well. The bigger issue was Emeka Egbuka wasn't healthy."@Geraldini93 still believes his Bucs and Baker Mayfield can keep winning games. pic.twitter.com/BW7rPsVGtj
— The Arena: Gridiron (@ArenaGridiron) October 21, 2025
The Buccaneers remain a legitimate playoff contender as long as Mayfield continues leading the offense.
Evans’ absence creates a major challenge, but Mayfield has proven capable of adjusting with available weapons throughout his career.
Tampa Bay has dealt with multiple injuries this season, including Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving, Emeka Egbuka, Calijah Kancey, and Cody Mauch.
The team still won five of their first six games while maintaining control of the NFC South division standings.
Monday’s performance against Detroit was far from Mayfield’s best showing of the season.
The Lions’ defensive pressure disrupted his rhythm throughout the night, forcing mistakes and limiting offensive production.
Mayfield completed 28 of 50 passes for 228 yards with one touchdown and one interception while absorbing four sacks.
Moving forward, he will rely on Egbuka, Tez Johnson, and Sterling Shepard to fill the void left by Evans’ injury.
The Buccaneers face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, where Mayfield will look to rebound and keep Tampa Bay’s strong start intact.
NEXT: Rob Gronkowski Has High Praise For Buccaneers