The Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked back up from where they left off in Week 16 early in Sunday's game versus the Atlanta Falcons, but they might have sustained a notable injury. According to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Mike Evans was helped off of the field in the first quarter after suffering an apparent knee injury.

The play came when Evans was attempting to snag a touchdown from Tom Brady, which would have given the Buccaneers an early 14-3 lead. However, Evans slipped on the turf in Tampa Bay, causing his knee to extend awkwardly.

Evans has been ruled out.

Coming into Sunday's game, Mike Evans just needed 40 receiving yards to become the first wide receiver in NFL history to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first seven seasons. Before sustaining the apparent knee injury, Evans already had three receptions for 46 yards, giving him the impressive feat.

Due to totaling 1,157 receiving yards last season, Mike Evans joined Randy Moss as the only wide receivers to have six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to begin their careers. But with a 20-yard reception against the Falcons, Evans surpassed Moss for the sole lead of the record.

Despite Tampa Bay already clinching a playoff spot, Bruce Arians made it clear that he wasn't going to rest starters in Week 17. Arians is likely hoping to make sure the offense remains in a rhythm ahead of their matchup in the first round of the playoffs.

However, by playing starters in the final week of the season, there's a risk of injury to important players. Following Mike Evans' early exit from Sunday's game, it remains to be seen how long Arians keeps his starters in the game.

If Mike Evans is forced to miss any time, then the Buccaneers would rely on Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown, Scotty Miller, and Rob Gronkowski more in the passing attack.