It’s been a brutal fall for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season. After squeaking by with some close victories to begin the year, their luck eventually ran out, and they’ve lost six of their last seven games. However, injuries have played a significant role in the team’s struggles this season.
One major name that has remained in and out of the lineup is wide receiver Chris Godwin. Starting the season late after an ankle dislocation last year, he hasn’t found his groove at any point this year. Even in a pivotal Week 18 game against the Carolina Panthers, his production remained suspect in the first half.
What Happened to Chris Godwin?
Thanks to their precipitous fall, Tampa Bay found itself in a game against the Panthers that could give them the division and a playoff spot. But first and foremost, they needed a win over Carolina.
Unfortunately, a competitive first half made it clear that the Buccaneers weren’t walking away with an easy win. At 13-7, both teams were putting their best foot forward, but they couldn’t get a major edge over each other.
For the Bucs, though, the receiving game did not see any contribution from the veteran wide receiver, as he went 0s across the board. Instead, it was Cade Otton who led all players with 54 receiving yards and the lone touchdown for Tampa Bay.
Due to his injury, Godwin has been limited to just eight games played this year. That included a six-game stretch leading up to Week 18, where it finally looked like he was starting to find his form with a 108-yard game against the Miami Dolphins last week.
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Unfortunately, this week, his lack of production has been vividly apparent. However, what may be holding him back is a sudden illness that caused him to appear on the injury report before the game. As a result, he has remained uninvolved in the action tonight.
At 352 receiving yards and two touchdowns on the season, he has been an adequate weapon for Baker Mayfield. But with the Buccaneers falling apart at the seams, it hasn’t been the hero’s return that many envisioned for him.
Now with a postseason spot hanging in the balance, he could become the savior for the franchise if he can put it together in the second half.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
