Vernon Hargreaves’ shoulder injury will end his season

Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves has played his first and last game for the Bucs this season.

After undergoing an examination Wednesday  by orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, it was determined that Hargreaves suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the Bucs' 48-40 win at New Orleans. He will be placed on injured reserve by the Bucs later today.

It's a crushing blow for the Bucs and Hargreaves, the former Florida Gators and Wharton High School star whose career has been derailed by injury. He missed seven games last season with a hamstring injury.

Hargreaves, 23, caused a fumble by Saints running back Mike Gillislee that was scooped up by safety Justin Evans and returned for a touchdown Sunday. It was a momentum-changing play that gave the Bucs a 31-17 lead with 4:27 remaining in the game.

He also had seven tackles, on forced fumble and one pass defensed Sunday.

Hargreaves injury means the Bucs could be without both starting cornerbacks Sunday. Brent Grimes has a groin injury and did not travel with the team to New Orleans last weekend.

Hargreaves has struggled to fulfill his promise as the 12th overall pick in 2016. He has only one career interception, which came during his rookie year, when he became the only player to allow at least 1,000-yards passing.