Buccaneers Receive Concerning Update on Chris Godwin’s Injury Status

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are once again facing an uphill battle on the injury front as they prepare for a pivotal Week 11 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

Veteran wide receiver Chris Godwin, who has been sidelined since Week 5 with a fibula injury, remains without a clear timetable for return. 

Head coach Todd Bowles provided an update earlier this week. 

As Pro Football Network noted, Bowles said that while the team hopes to have several key players, including Bucky Irving and Godwin back soon, but there’s “no timetable for their returns.” 

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also reported on SportsCenter that Godwin’s comeback likely won’t come until “late November or December.’ 

Tampa Bay continues to take an extremely cautious approach given his lengthy injury history.

“They just don’t want to press it with him,” Fowler said. “They’re thinking late November-December with Chris Godwin.”

That timeline suggests Godwin could remain sidelined for at least a few more weeks, which could extend his absence to seven straight games. 

“It’s been tough,” one team source told PewterReport.

“He’s one of our tone-setters, a guy who moves the sticks and keeps the offense balanced. You can’t just replace that kind of reliability.” 

This news is a blow to both fantasy football managers and a Buccaneers offense that has struggled mightily in recent weeks. 

Tampa Bay’s attack ranks 19th in offensive efficiency, reflecting just how much the team has missed some of its biggest playmakers. 

Godwin’s Injury Timeline

Godwin’s 2025 season has been defined by setbacks and stalled recovery. 

After fracturing his ankle late in the 2024 campaign, he missed the first three games of this season before returning in Week 4.

He immediately reclaimed a major role, playing over 80% of the Buccaneers’ offensive snaps in back-to-back games against the Eagles and Seahawks. 

However, his return was short-lived.

During the Week 5 matchup, Godwin suffered a fibula injury that has since sidelined him for over a month.

Bowles later clarified that while the injury wasn’t season-ending, the team wouldn’t risk aggravation. 

“We want him right for the long term,” Bowles said. “It’s a tough break for him, but we’re not rushing it.”

If Godwin does not return until late November or early December, that would mean that he would have now missed 16 of his last 18 games since suffering a gruesome dislocated ankle in Week 7 of the 2024 season against the Ravens.  

How Godwin’s Return Could Lift Tampa Bay’s Offense

When healthy, Godwin’s versatility and route-running precision make him one of Tampa Bay’s most reliable weapons. 

Before the fibula setback, he caught six passes for 52 yards across two games and was on pace to regain his rhythm with Baker Mayfield.

Since his absence, the Bucs’ offense has struggled to maintain consistency.

Mike Evans landed on injured reserve with a broken collarbone, Bucky Irving has missed five straight games, and Emeka Egbuka has been in and out of injury reports. 

Rookie Tez Johnson and Sterling Shepard have had to shoulder more than they expected. 

We’ve got guys stepping up,” Mayfield said recently, “but you can’t really replace a guy like Chris. His presence just changes how defenses play us.”

Egbuka has emerged as the primary receiver, while tight end Cade Otton has taken on a larger role as Mayfield’s safety valve.

Still, the absence of explosive plays has hurt Tampa Bay’s production, as the offense has averaged just 18.3 points per game over its last three games.

If Godwin can return sometime in the near future, his ability to attack all three levels of the field and extend drives could provide the spark this offense desperately needs. 

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