Arians: Howard likely done for season after rupturing Achilles

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' hard-fought victory over the Los Angeles Chargers came at a cost.

Tight end O.J. Howard ruptured his Achilles tendon during Sunday's contest and is likely out for the rest of the season, head coach Bruce Arians said, according to ESPN's Jeff Darlington.

Howard was enjoying his best game of the season before exiting with the injury. He caught three passes for 50 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown reception. The 25-year-old has 11 catches for 146 yards and two scores through four games.

The Buccaneers boast a wealth of pass-catching weapons when healthy. But wideout Chris Godwin was out Sunday and likely won't play Thursday against the Chicago Bears, while fellow receiver Mike Evans gutted through an ankle injury against the Chargers. More will be expected of tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Cameron Brate if Howard is indeed out for the year.