The Tampa Bay Buccaneers received some incredibly positive news just a week before the 2025 NFL season kicks off. With the league’s roster cutdown day approaching, the team faced tough decisions about its personnel, particularly players recovering from injuries. Two of the biggest names on that list were wide receiver Chris Godwin and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, and the organization needed to make a crucial call on their status.
Buccaneers’ Offensive Engine Revs Up as Chris Godwin, Tristan Wirfs Near Return
Godwin and Wirfs are wildly important for the Buccaneers’ chances of maintaining the offensive explosiveness they showed last season. After losing offensive coordinator Liam Coen, that unit could take a step back. However, it now appears the Buccaneers won’t be without their full complement of stars for too long.
For the Buccaneers, a collective effort from the entire unit landed them as the third-ranked team on PFSN’s Offense+ metric. Unsurprisingly, their offensive line played a big role in that success, finishing third on the corresponding OL+ metric.
Wirfs was instrumental in bolstering that unit. A four-time Pro Bowler, he is critical to the team’s operation, protecting the quarterback’s blindside. However, he spent all of training camp recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
Similarly, Godwin has become a vital piece for the Bucs. Last year, while Mike Evans missed time with an injury, he was on pace for one of the best years of his career, tallying 576 yards and five touchdowns through just seven games.
Unfortunately, an ankle dislocation, compounded by a fibula fracture and a torn deltoid, meant Godwin was in for a long recovery period. During the offseason, his recovery required two surgeries to prepare him for the new season.
Just before the year began, however, the Buccaneers got the positive update they were hoping for. ESPN insider Adam Schefter broke the news on X, writing, “Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin and OT Tristan Wirfs both passed their physicals today.”
Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin and OT Tristan Wirfs both passed their physicals today.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2025
With neither player remaining on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, they avoid having to sit out a mandatory four-week period before returning. This means they can rejoin the lineup as soon as they are healthy. Even after passing their physicals, though, the road back to the gridiron is still a ways away.
For Godwin, the likely timetable for a return is sometime in October. On the other hand, Wirfs might be able to come back earlier, with a potential return in Week 3 against the New York Jets. That timing could not be better for the Bucs, especially if he can make it back for the game against New York.
Immediately after that matchup, the Buccaneers face the Philadelphia Eagles, the Detroit Lions, and the San Francisco 49ers in three of their next four games. With two key components of their offense returning early in the season, the Buccaneers’ dreams as a potential Super Bowl contender might still be alive.
