The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been playing quite well so far this season, getting off to a 2-0 start after their 20-19 win over the Houston Texans on “Monday Night Football.” But the Buccaneers have been missing one of their key offensive weapons in wide receiver Chris Godwin.
Before the Texans game, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles made it sound like Godwin might see some action. In reality, though, Bowles might have been playing a little gamesmanship. Godwin didn’t play at all.
Now, the issue is around Godwin’s possible return.
When Will Bucs WR Chris Godwin Return To Play?
Last Thursday, Godwin returned to the Buccaneers’ practice field and went through some light workouts.
Godwin hasn’t played in an NFL game since suffering his left dislocated ankle injury in Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season.
Chris Godwin Jr. didn’t catch any passes today when we were out there but he did continue to work out with teammates #Bucs pic.twitter.com/7wl2Eix2tx
— Matt Matera (@matty4_matera) September 11, 2025
NFL insider Jeremy Fowler recently provided an update on Godwin’s potential return. “Bucs wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (knee) is progressing well in practices, but people I’ve talked to believe a Week 3 return might be ambitious,” Fowler wrote. “Week 4 against Philadelphia, however, feels like a real possibility.”
Godwin was ultimately ruled out for the Week 3 game against the New York Jets.
Chris Godwin is recovering from a second surgery to fix some hardware in his ankle, a procedure that probably sped up his return. The team is hopefully for a Week 5 debut, though Week 6 is also possible. https://t.co/ZPPCrscXvB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2025
Godwin committed solidly to Tampa Bay in the offseason, signing a three-year, $66 million extension with the team. Godwin will join a bevy of other receivers that are available for Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Besides Godwin, the Buccaneers have veteran Mike Evans, rookie Emeka Egbuka, Tez Johnson, Sterling Shepard, Ryan Miller, and Kameron Johnson available. Jalen McMillan and Jaden Smith are currently on the (IR) Injured Reserve.
In his NFL career, Godwin has 579 receptions for 7,266 yards and 39 touchdown receptions. He’s definitely a solid player in the Buccaneers offense, so his return will be most welcome for Mayfield and his teammates.
Look for Bowles to offer an update on Godwin’s condition throughout the week. He knows that Godwin’s return will be solid for Tampa Bay. His veteran presence gives the Bucs a lot of security in the group of wideouts.
