If you’ve been confused by exactly where Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin stands in regards to his return from a gruesome injury suffered last season, that’s fair.
Godwin himself has contributed to the confusion more than anyone else.
Now, we finally have some clarity on when Godwin might actually play in a game again after reports he will start the season on the 53-man roster but won’t play until at least October, which means he’ll miss at least the first 4 games.
Godwin dislocated his left ankle in Week 7 of the 2024 regular season against the Baltimore Ravens. The former NFL All-Pro and Pro Bowler was third in the NFL in receiving yards at the time of his injury.
“Sources: Buccaneers plan to activate WR Chris Godwin off the Physically Unable to Perform list and have him on their 53-man roster to start the season, but only to begin his ramp-up process for games, not to immediately play in them,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on August 21. “Godwin still is unlikely to play until October as he continues recovering from the fractured ankle he suffered in Week 7 vs. the Ravens last season. He is expected to start practicing in Week 2, but the team thinks he is right where he should be at this time and is pleased with his recovery.”
Godwin Gave Bucs Massive Hometown Discount
Godwin’s injury did little to nothing to impact his value in free agency this offseason, where he reportedly received an offer from the New England Patriots for anywhere between $90 million to $100 million but chose to stay in Tampa Bay and sign a 3-year, $66 million contract.
This latest payday will bring the 2017 third round pick’s career earnings to approximately $146 million — money well spent on one of the NFL’s most consistent wide receivers over the last decade.
Godwin’s injury in 2024 snapped a streak of 3 consecutive 1,000 yard receiving seasons for the 2020 Super Bowl champion.
Named NFL’s Top ‘Bounce Back’ Candidate in 2025
Don’t expect Godwin to do anything but hit the ground running when he comes back.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton put the 29-year-old at the top of his list of “NFL Bounce Back Candidates” just ahead of the start of training camp.
“(Godwin) remains the Buccaneers’ most dynamic receiver, still in his prime,” Moton wrote on June 28. “At 31, Mike Evans barely kept his 1,000-yard receiving season streak alive last year. Entering his second term, Jalen McMillan is in the early stages of development. Emeka Egbuka has to earn quarterback Baker Mayfield’s trust as a reliable receiver.”
Buccaneers Dealing With Early Injury Issues
Along with Godwin, the Buccaneers are going to start the season without arguably the best player on the entire roster in NFL All-Pro left offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, who will also be on the 53-man roster but won’t play right away due to a knee injury.
Second-year wide receiver McMillan is also out with a neck injury and will start the season on injured reserve with a neck injury, which means he will miss at least the first 4 games.
The Buccaneers open the regular season on September 7 with a road game against the Atlanta Falcons.
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