NFC South

Add another chapter to the story of the personal rivalry between Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans and New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore.

The two were featured players in a brawl between the two teams during Tampa Bay's 20-10 victory over the Saints on Sunday. They were each ejected, but the punishments didn't stop there.

Evans was suspended one game by the NFL for his actions Sunday, according to Jenna Laine of ESPN.com.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network was first to report the suspension. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network noted there were no other punishments for Lattimore or anyone else involved in the incident. Evans will miss Week 3's matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

The incident started after Tom Brady's pass to Scotty Miller fell incomplete in the fourth quarter. As Katherine Terrell and Jenna Laine of ESPN noted, Lattimore "appeared to wave his arm at Brady in a dismissive manner."

Leonard Fournette responded by shoving Lattimore, who then shoved the Buccaneers running back before Evans came running onto the field to shove the New Orleans cornerback to the ground.

Lattimore and Evans were each ejected.

Marshon Lattimore and Mike Evans both got ejected 😳 pic.twitter.com/gLBXI1tbY8

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 18, 2022

"All I seen was we were trying to get a flag called or whatever, and it wasn't called, and all I see is Lattimore, he like punched Lenny in the face or something like that and like, pushed Tom. That's all I saw. I just pushed him," Evans said.

Saints head coach Dennis Allen pointed out that Lattimore was not the instigator but still retaliated.

"You see these things happen all the time," Allen said. "What I'd like to see is Marshon not retaliate. I believe it was Leonard Fournette, not 100 percent positive, I believe he was the first one to kind of push and shove Lattimore. Usually, they don't get the instigator, they get the responder. I think what happened after that was a little bit excessive."

Terrell and Laine pointed out there is a "long-running feud" that "has often turned physical" between Evans and Lattimore.

Evans ran onto the field and shoved his counterpart in 2017 and was suspended for one game as a result.

Lattimore did the initial shoving during a 2020 game, and Evans shoved him back. The cornerback was fined $10,500 as punishment for that incident.

The latest skirmish happened in a contest that was tighter than the final score indicated. It was tied at three heading into the fourth quarter, but Tampa Bay scored 17 straight points with a Brady touchdown pass to Breshad Perriman, a Ryan Succop field goal and a pick-six for Mike Edwards.

By the time Michael Thomas scored a late touchdown for New Orleans, the game was well in hand.

Tampa Bay broke a seven-game regular-season losing streak to the Saints with the win.

Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers improved to 2-0 with a 20-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, but not before the all-time great took out some of his frustration on a tablet.

Brady threw a tablet to the ground in the third quarter, marking the second successive year he has done so during a matchup with the Saints.

He addressed it in his post-victory video he posted on Twitter, saying, "Sorry for breaking that tablet, I think that's going to be another Twitter meme or something like that."

W. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/h96g92sMSx

— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) September 19, 2022

Frustration was the theme for much of the game, as Mike Evans and Marshon Lattimore were ejected for a shoving match during the fourth quarter. The two offenses each had three points heading into that fourth quarter as well, although the Buccaneers eventually pulled away.

Brady threw a touchdown pass to Breshad Perriman as Tampa Bay seized control, but Mike Edwards' pick-six was also critical. It was another strong showing for the Buccaneers defense, which was important since the offense was playing without left tackle Donovan Smith and wide receivers Chris Godwin and Julio Jones.

As a result, Tampa Bay ended a seven-game regular-season losing streak to New Orleans.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 20-10 on Sunday in a heated matchup that saw both Mike Evans and Marshon Lattimore ejected for their roles in a benches-clearing brawl.

After the game, Evans addressed his ongoing rivalry with Lattimore.

"Super competitive. Today, he was just too emotional," Evans told reporters. "You don't throw punches at guys on the field. He threw a punch at Lenny, and I can't let that happen to my teammates. So I shoved him … turned into a brawl."

Evans added: "We're in New Orleans. It gets spicy sometimes. Got a little heated in the scuffle. I'm glad nobody got hurt and glad our team responded after it."

Entering Sunday's game, the Buccaneers had lost their last seven regular-season games against the divisional-rival Saints, so it was sure to be a heated contest.

After Lattimore tackled Buccaneers wide receiver Scotty Miller on an incomplete pass down the sideline in the fourth quarter, he got into an altercation with Tom Brady and Leonard Fournette.

Fournette and Lattimore began shoving each other, and that's when Evans came in and body-checked the Saints cornerback to the ground. They were both ejected from the game, and it's possible they'll face fines as a result of the incident.

Mike Evans absolutely laid out Marshon Lattimore.

Both were ejected. https://t.co/CpfsEPmKu8

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 18, 2022

Evans and Lattimore have a lengthy history.

In 2017, Lattimore's rookie season, Evans similarly blindsided the cornerback when Saints quarterback Jameis Winston was still a member of the Buccaneers:

Not the first time Evans knocked down Lattimore...pic.twitter.com/Ob1yLn5M9W

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 18, 2022

Evans was selected seventh overall in the 2014 NFL draft out of Texas A&M. He has earned four Pro Bowl selections and posted eight straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons to begin his career.

Lattimore, selected 11th overall in the 2017 NFL draft out of Ohio State, is a four-time Pro Bowler and was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2017. He put together one of the best seasons of his career in 2021, posting three interceptions, 19 pass breakups, one fumble recovery and 68 tackles in 16 games.

Evans is under contract with the Bucs through the 2023 season, and Lattimore is signed with the Saints through the 2026 campaign. There's reason to believe the bad blood between these two players won't subside anytime soon.

The Buccaneers and Saints don't meet again until Dec. 5 on Monday Night Football.

A new chapter in the Mike Evans-Marshon Lattimore rivalry was written during Sunday's Tampa Bay Buccaneers-New Orleans Saints Week 2 matchup.

After Lattimore smothered Buccaneers wide receiver Scotty Miller on an incomplete pass down the sideline in the fourth quarter, the Saints cornerback got into it with Tom Brady and Leonard Fournette.

Then, after Fournette and Lattimore began shoving one another, Evans ran into the scrum and body-checked Lattimore to the ground on a cheap shot that led to a benches-clearing brawl and both players being ejected.

Mike Evans absolutely laid out Marshon Lattimore.

Both were ejected. https://t.co/CpfsEPmKu8

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 18, 2022

Marshon Lattimore and Mike Evans both got ejected 😳 pic.twitter.com/gLBXI1tbY8

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 18, 2022

Mike Evans was ejected from today's game after an exchange with Marshon Lattimore after the whistle.

Lattimore was also ejected.

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/Rjunnd5KBR

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 18, 2022

This latest altercation between Evans and Lattimore produced some good memes and jokes from NFL fans on Twitter:

Mike Evans & Marshon Lattimore every time they play each other: pic.twitter.com/NhQOPNa9dZ

— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) September 18, 2022

Mike Evans & Marcus Lattimore beef is one of the most underrated subplots in the league. They legit hate each other.

— Barry (@BarryOnHere) September 18, 2022

All joke aside the cheap shots Mike Evans STAY taking at Lattimore is a joke. Evans needs to be suspended MULTIPLE GAMES. This is his SECOND time doing this

— Jono Barnes (@JonoBarnes) September 18, 2022

Mike Evans been waiting to punch Lattimore for the past 6 months

— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) September 18, 2022

Mike Evans is gonna defend his QB always

— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) September 18, 2022

I'd pay $100 to watch a Mike Evans - Marshon Lattimore boxing match

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) September 18, 2022

13 said we ain’t going for nun of that

— RJ (@RjHampton14) September 18, 2022

it's a little bit funny that entire fight started because Tom Brady was whining about a call

— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) September 18, 2022

i love how much marshon lattimore and mike evans hate each other

— charles (“you look good” - andy reid) mcdonald (@FourVerts) September 18, 2022

Jameis watching Mike Evans deck Marshon Lattimore pic.twitter.com/ZXaAQKKwHB

— Annie Agar (@AnnieAgar) September 18, 2022

Jameis Winston watching Mike Evans deck Marcus Lattimore to defend his QB pic.twitter.com/NAzcaZuCIp

— No Hands Nation (@SpeedDe86282699) September 18, 2022

Evans also dropped Lattimore with a cheap shot during a game in 2017 when Saints quarterback Jameis Winston was still a member of the Buccaneers:

Not the first time Evans knocked down Lattimore...pic.twitter.com/Ob1yLn5M9W

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 18, 2022

Evans caught three passes for 61 yards, and Lattimore posted two tackles before their ejections.

The Buccaneers and Saints don't meet again until Dec. 5 for a Monday Night Football matchup that should be one of the best of the 2022 campaign.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston is set to play Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with four fractures in his back, per Fox's Jay Glazer.

Winston is in "a lot of pain" and will be wearing extra padding to protect the area, Glazer added. Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com also noted the veteran signal-caller has been in pain "all week."

Winston took a hit in the fourth quarter of a Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons and was checked out in the medical tent before returning to the Saints bench. After the game, he said he was in pain.

When asked where the pain was, Winston responded: "Just pain. It was pain everywhere."

The 28-year-old, who was limited in practice all week, was initially listed for Sunday's matchup as questionable with a back injury. He told reporters Wednesday (h/t ProFootballTalk's Josh Alper) that he was still "getting over some first game soreness."

Winston has been riddled by injuries over the last two seasons.

The 2015 first overall pick appeared in just seven games during the 2021 campaign before suffering a torn ACL, which sidelined him for the remainder of the year. He also dealt with a foot injury during the 2022 preseason and will now be slowed by his current back ailment.

Winston was solid against the Falcons last weekend, completing 23 of 34 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. He also had two carries for nine yards.

However, Tom Brady and the Buccaneers will present a tougher challenge for Winston and the Saints, though New Orleans has defeated Tampa Bay in seven straight regular season meetings.

If the Saints beat the Buccaneers, they'll be in sole possession of first place in the NFC South with a 2-0 record.

For the first time in his NFL career, Tom Brady appears to be taking advantage of his status as the greatest quarterback of all time and using some PTO.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Brady will receive a "veteran's day" off from Wednesday practice throughout the 2022 season. This continues a trend that began in training camp when Brady took 11 days off for a family vacation in the Bahamas.

Rapoport reported the vacation was a product of a promise Brady made to his family during his brief retirement during the offseason. The Bucs have granted the 23-year veteran some understandable leeway given his stature around the league, and coach Todd Bowles said other veterans will get practice days off as well.

"I think when you play in the league a certain amount of time and you prepare a certain way, it's not necessary to practice that guy all the time," Bowles told reporters Friday. "You're going to practice, but you're not going to practice all the time. You'll get a day off here and there because it is a long season."

The Bucs are already one of the most injury-riddled teams in the NFL. They saw several injuries befall their offensive line during training camp, and they will go into Week 2 without Chris Godwin and with Julio Jones, Mike Evans and Leonard Fournette all listed on the injury report.

Tampa showed few ill effects of Brady's preseason absence in last Sunday's 19-3 win over the Dallas Cowboys. While the offense was not great, the Bucs protected the ball well and allowed their defense to overwhelm a scuffling Dallas offense.

Sunday will arguably provide a greater test, with the Bucs visiting the division-rival New Orleans Saints. The Saints are coming off a thrilling comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.

New Orleans Saints star Alvin Kamara's status for Week 2 is uncertain because of a rib injury he suffered against the Atlanta Falcons.

ESPN's Adam Schefter noted Kamara is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's home game vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 27-year-old was a limited participant in practice Wednesday but sat out Thursday and Friday.

The Saints offense has other injury problems. Backup running backs Dwayne Washington (hamstring) and Mark Ingram (ankle) are also questionable.

Quarterback Jameis Winston is listed as questionable with a back injury, though he has been able to participate on a limited basis every day this week.

Kamara missed time last season because of a knee injury suffered in the Saints' loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9. The five-time Pro Bowler sat out the next four games before returning in Week 14.

Injuries were a major problem in New Orleans during the 2021 season. Michael Thomas missed the entire year with complications from offseason ankle surgery.

Winston tore his ACL in Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Taysom Hill sustained a concussion in Week 5 and missed the subsequent two games.

Not having Kamara would create problems for the offense. He led the team last year in yards from scrimmage (1,337) and total touchdowns (nine), despite missing four games.

Kamara was limited to 38 snaps with 46 total yards on 12 touches in Week 1.

The Saints could rely heavily on Winston, assuming he plays, and the passing game if Kamara and the other backs are limited or unavailable. He played well, particularly in the second half, against Atlanta to lead a comeback 27-26 victory.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Godwin suffered a hamstring injury in Tampa Bay's Week 1 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. It was his first game back since suffering a torn ACL and MCL in Week 15 of the 2021 campaign.

When healthy, Godwin is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL and a go-to for many fantasy managers.

The 26-year-old is coming off an impressive 2021 campaign despite missing three games due to his knee injury. He caught 98 passes for 1,103 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games.

Godwin is expected to be equally as impressive this season, provided he can remain healthy. The Penn State product got off to a hot start before suffering an injury against the Cowboys, catching three passes for 35 yards.

However, considering he will be unavailable for Week 2, fantasy managers will need to consider their replacement options.

There are some highly talented receivers available for the taking, too.

Washington Commanders rookie wide receiver Jahan Dotson is rostered in just 41 percent of Yahoo Sports' fantasy leagues; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Robbie Anderson is rostered in just 36 percent of leagues; and Saints wide receiver Jarvis Landry is rostered in just 54 percent of leagues.

Some long shots that might be available include Julio Jones (rostered in 71 percent of leagues) and rookie Drake London (rostered in 80 percent of leagues).

The Buccaneers are 1-0 on the season but haven't won in New Orleans in the regular season since September 2018. With Godwin sidelined, it could be tough for the team to escape with a win.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and his wife, fashion model Gisele Bündchen, are reportedly going through a "difficult period."

Sources told CNN's Chloe Melas on Thursday the couple is "living separately" while dealing with "marital issues." They were married in February 2009.

Brady skipped 11 days of Bucs training camp in August to handle personal matters. He didn't shed much light on the situation upon his return.

"It's all personal," the future Hall of Famer told reporters. "You know everyone's got different situations they're dealing with. So, we all have really unique challenges to our life. I'm 45 years old, man. There's a lot of s--t going on. You've just got to try to figure out life the best you can. It's a continuous process."

Bündchen, 42, told Chantal Fernandez of Elle on Tuesday her husband's football future has been a persistent discussion in their lives.

"Obviously, I have my concerns—this is a very violent sport, and I have my children and I would like him to be more present," the Brazilian said. "I have definitely had those conversations with him over and over again. But ultimately, I feel that everybody has to make a decision that works for [them]. He needs to follow his joy, too."

She added, "I have a huge list of things that I have to do, that I want to do."

Meanwhile, Brady opened his 23rd NFL season by helping lead the Buccaneers to a 19-3 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. He completed 18 of his 27 throws for 212 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported Sunday it's likely the quarterback's final season, for real this time.

Brady addressed the speculation Monday on his Let's Go! podcast (via CNN), saying he's missed a lot of important events over the past two decades.

"And I think when you're 45, and you have a lot of other commitments and obligations which are very important to you—namely children that are growing up and things that," he said. "... I think there comes a point in your life where you say: 'You know what? I've had my fill and it's enough and time to go on, to move into other parts of life.'"

The seven-time Super Bowl champion stopped short of saying he's going to retire at season's end, though.

Brady and the Bucs are back in action Sunday when they visit the Caesars Superdome to take on the New Orleans Saints.

Gisele Bündchen did not object to her husband, Tom Brady, ending his brief retirement to return to the NFL for a 23rd season.

In an interview with Chantal Fernandez of Elle, Bündchen did note she has concerns about Brady continuing to play "a very violent sport" but ultimately he "needs to follow his joy" in life.

Appearing on The Late Late Show with James Corden in March 2021, weeks after leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a victory in Super Bowl LV, Brady said Bündchen asked him a question on the field moments after the game ended.

"What more do you have to prove?" Brady said she asked him (h/t Alek Raskin of the Daily Mail).

It doesn't seem at the time that Brady was interested in entertaining the subject.

"I was trying to figure out a way to change the subject really quick," the seven-time Super Bowl champion told Corden about his reaction. "I think I moved on to something else pretty quickly."

Bündchen has also joked in the past about not having much luck getting through to her husband about walking away from football.

"I think you should talk with him about that," she said in a December 2018 appearance on Ellen Degeneres' talk show when asked about Brady retiring (h/t Maura Hohman of People). "I haven’t been very successful. I want him to do whatever makes him happy, but maybe if you have a conversation with him—explain that you love the Saints."

There was a brief moment in time after the Bucs' 30-27 playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams in January when it seemed like Brady was done. He announced his retirement on Instagram on Feb. 1 only to reverse course on March 13.

Brady did have a mysterious 11-day hiatus from the Buccaneers during the preseason that prompted a lot of speculation.

"I'm 45 years old, man," Brady told reporters after an Aug. 27 preseason matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. "There's a lot of s--t going on, so you just have to try and figure out life the best you can. You know, it's a continuous process."

Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network reported Brady took a vacation with his family and the Bucs approved his absence.

There was no indication from Week 1 of the regular season that Brady's absence was a problem. He finished 18-of-27 for 212 yards with one touchdown in Tampa Bay's 19-3 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Brady and Bündchen have been married since February 2009. The couple has two children together.