The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will head into Week 6 sporting an impressive record of 4-1, with star quarterback Baker Mayfield looking like a legitimate NFL MVP candidate after a solid showing during the first five games of the 2025 campaign.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this five-game stretch has been the fact that the Buccaneers have been plagued by injuries, with the number piling up. One of the most injury-riddled positions for the Buccaneers has been at wide receiver, with stars Mike Evans and Chris Godwin nowhere near 100 percent.
Evans has played only three games thus far, and Godwin has played even fewer, with only two appearances during the 2025 NFL season to date. Even though Evans seems to be trending in the right direction, the same can’t be said for Godwin.
Buccaneers Get Concerning Update on Star WR Chris Godwin
GettyChris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Godwin has been ruled out for Week 6’s matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, as he’s dealing with an injury to his fibula, which will keep his status as week-to-week moving forward, according to Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, who said the following after Friday’s practice.
“It’s a different fibula,” Bowles said. “A different part of his leg. He is week-to-week with that one.”
Bowles was asked to give some more context on Godwin’s fibular injury and admitted he didn’t see the injury occur, but saw the star wide receiver was hurt when he tried to walk off the field.
“I don’t know if it was a hit or a twist,” Bowles said. “I just saw him limp off.”
With Godwin’s 2024 campaign coming to an end because of a dislocated ankle on the same leg, Bowles and the Buccaneers’ coaching staff are obviously concerned, especially knowing it isn’t easy to replace a player of his or Evans’ caliber on the football field.
“I do not think you can ever fill a void [left] by Mike and Chris,” Bowles said. “Other guys have things they do well to make this team. We [have] to make sure when they are out there that we really try to enhance those abilities that we know what they can do and call the right plays from that aspect of it.”
Emergence of Rookie Star Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka
Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With Evans and Godwin on the mend, rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has taken advantage of his opportunity to prove his worth to the Buccaneers. The Ohio State product hasn’t taken the opportunity for granted, as he’s arguably been the best offensive rookie in the league through the first five weeks of the season.
Egbuka won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors for September, as he has been incredibly productive during his short time with Tampa Bay while becoming Mayfield’s favorite target in the passing game, with Evans and Godwin dealing with injuries.
Through the first five games, Egbuka has caught 25 passes for 445 receiving yards and five touchdowns, which is incredible for any wide receiver, let alone a rookie.
Mayfield will likely continue to make Egbuka the focal point of the passing game while awaiting the return of his two veteran wideouts downfield.
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