As the Buccaneers tried to erase a 10-point deficit without enough time to do so, their starting offense was on the field. And one of their starting receivers suffered a serious injury.

On a play that looked like a routine tackle in real time, Chris Godwin ended up on the ground after being tackled by Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith. When ESPN’s Joe Buck said the replay would not be shown, it became clear that the injury was serious.

Godwin was taken away with a vacuum splint on his lower left leg.

Earlier in the match, Mike Evans aggravated a hamstring injury and was done for the night.

Although the match was not over when the injury occurred, the outcome seemed certain. Coach Todd Bowles will be questioned for not waving the white flag and inserting the backups.

It’s a difficult decision. One big play would have cut the deficit to three points, with time for an offside and a field goal that could have forced overtime. Crazier things have happened. Still, the Buccaneers’ loss in the standings is compounded by an injury that could end the season for one of their best players.