Mike Evans once again reached 1,000 receiving yards in a season for Tampa Bay – but his involvement against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday was cut short by a worrying knee injury. 

Evans went into the Week 17 game on the brink of NFL history, as he was in sight of becoming the first receiver to have seven straight seasons with 1,000 yards to start a career. 

The three-time Pro Bowler duly reached the milestone in the first quarter on Sunday when reeling in a 20-yard pass from quarterback Tom Brady. 

However, on the next play, Evans was hurt trying to score a touchdown. In pain having over-extended his left leg, he was taken to the team's locker room on a cart. 

Tampa Bay later confirmed the receiver would not be returning, with his health now a huge concern for the franchise ahead of the playoffs. 

The Bucs have already qualified for the postseason but will finish behind the New Orleans Saints in the NFC South – they are yet to discover who they will face in the opening round. 

Brady, meanwhile, also achieved a notable landmark, his 299th start in the NFL moving him out of a tie with Brett Favre for the most by a quarterback.