TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a 43-28 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at home Thursday night on national television, but they also lost their two biggest pieces on offense -- Jameis Winston and Mike Evans.
Evans collided with safety Keanu Neal and has entered the concussion protocol, coach Dirk Koetter said. Prior to leaving the game, Evans caught 11 passes for 150 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
"Mike played the best game I've seen him play in my time here," Koetter said. "Mike was fantastic tonight."
Winston suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter after taking a hit on a two-point conversion attempt. Like Evans, he left the game and did not return, but he downplayed the injury.
"I take a lot of shots every week," Winston said. "I feel great."
He also said Koetter told him he had to come out of the game. Winston was not limping or favoring his leg walking off the field.
"Jameis told me he was fine," Koetter said.
Running back Antone Smith left the game with a knee injury and had to be carted off the field. He was seen leaving the locker room on crutches. Center Joe Hawley also left the game with a knee injury and did not return.
