The Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepare for their Week 15 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons Saints following their narrow loss to the New Orleans Saints. Chris Godwin has played in three games after missing six weeks with a fibula issue, but remains on the injury report. Will fantasy football managers have the veteran receiver available this week?
Chris Godwin Injury Update
Godwin missed six weeks earlier this season with a fibula injury. The injury occurred during the Buccaneers’ Week 5 matchup when Godwin suffered a hairline fracture that would sideline him from Week 6 through Week 11.​
The veteran receiver made his return in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Rams after the extended absence. He has now played in three consecutive games since coming back from the fibula injury.​
Godwin looked healthy in Week 13 and had his best game of the season with three catches for 78 yards against the Cardinals. He led the team in receiving yards and displayed his yards-after-catch ability, including a 31-yard gain in the second quarter.​
Last week against New Orleans, Godwin played and again looked the best he has all season. He caught five of eight targets for 55 yards. Godwin led the Bucs in receptions, receiving yards, and targets.​
Godwin was listed as limited on Monday’s estimated practice report with the ongoing fibula designation. The Bucs play Thursday so they have their typical short week practice schedule with only walkthroughs.​
There is absolutely no cause for concern. Godwin continues to manage the fibula issue, but with no reported setbacks in Sunday’s loss to the Saints, the listed limitations Monday were presumably maintenance-related. This is nothing more than standard rest on the first estimated practice report of the week.​
Expect Godwin to upgrade to full on Tuesday and not receive a final injury designation. Added context regarding his status for Thursday night’s game against the Falcons will arrive Tuesday, but at this stage there’s no reason to believe his Week 15 availability is in danger.​
Godwin’s Fantasy Outlook
Godwin played and looked the best he has all season in Week 14. He caught five of eight targets for 55 yards against New Orleans. Godwin led the Bucs in receptions, receiving yards, and targets on an afternoon where Baker Mayfield threw for just 122 yards.​
The highlight of the veteran wideout’s day came on a 32-yard reception in the first half. Godwin now has an 8-133 line on 13 targets over the last two games after a quiet Week 12 return from a long absence against the Rams.​ Godwin has still yet to catch a touchdown this season, but it feels like it’s coming.
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The Falcons allow the eighth-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Games between these two franchises have been high scoring as of late. This could be a fun one with a lot of points.​
Mike Evans’ potential return does muddy things a bit. He is making his way back from a lengthy absence due to a broken collarbone. However, Mayfield can support all three of Evans, Godwin, and Emeka Egbuka in a shootout environment.​
