The Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to be getting two crucial offensive weapons back and not a moment too soon.
Running back Bucky Irving and wide receiver Chris Godwin each returned to practice, putting them in line to return for the Bucs’ upcoming potential Super Bowl preview against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
The Buccaneers (6-3) have lost two of three and are averaging just 18.3 points per game in that span. They managed just 258 yards of total offense in their 28-23 home loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Godwin has played two games while recovering from his catastrophic broken ankle last season and also while dealing with a fibula injury. He hasn’t played since the Bucs’ 38-35 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 5 and has just six catches for 52 yards this year.
The Bucs still lead the NFC South by 1.5 games over the Carolina Panthers.
Bucky Irving Is More Likely To Play Than Chris Godwin
Irving (foot/shoulder) has not played since Tampa Bay’s 31-25 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 28 but was the first to come back to practice Wednesday.
The fact he is getting close is great news for the Bucs, since Irving is still third on the team in all-purpose yards (430) even though he’s missed the past five games.
“It was good to have him back out there, and itâs the first step to work his way back,” Bowles said. “Heâs going to have to take a hit at some point. I mean, heâs lifting and everything, heâs running, but itâs a progression and weâll see how he does.
Rachaad White has been filling in as Tampa Bay’s RB1 while Irving has been out, and Tampa Bay has averaged just 80.4 rushing-yards per game over the past five. The Bucs had averaged 124 ground yards per game before Irving’s injury, with the second-year back accounting for a team-high 59.3 rushing yards per game.
Staying balanced is integral to Tampa Bay’s success, especially while playing against the Bills. Buffalo ranks 30th in the NFL in run defense (147.6 rushing-yards against per game), and it just was gashed for 197 rushing yards in its 30-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
The Buccaneers ‘Hope’ Chris Godwin Will Be Up To Speed For Their Stretch Run
Godwin is a trickier injury due to the nature of his injury, though Bucs coach Todd Bowles did address Godwin’s ailment Wednesday.
âItâs the fibula,â Bowles said, according to Joe Bucs Fan. âHeâs working his way back. Heâs making good strides and weâll continue to work with him and see how he goes.
âHeâs running, yes. Heâs definitely running. ⦠I wish I could tell you [if it is a pain tolerance issue]. I really do.â
That Godwin was back at practice, and earned a limited distinction, is a good sign based on what Jeremy Fowler reported earlier this week.
“The Bucs are hopeful Godwin will be ready for the stretch run, ensuring he has no setbacks,” Fowler reported, while stating the ninth-year wideout would not play in Buffalo. “Thereâs some level of mystery surrounding this one, but the team is being careful with him and will see how he responds over the next few weeks.”
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