The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to manage a devastating wave of offensive injuries, as they work through multiple absences that have significantly impacted their passing attack. Chris Godwin, who had͏ recently returned from a major lower-leg ͏͏injury, was again sidelined in Week 7.
Will Godwin return in Week 8 against the New Orleans Saints? Here’s the latest update on Godwin’s status and what it could mean for Tampa Bay’s offense.
Will Buccaneers Star Chris Godwin Play in Week 8 vs. the Saints?
Godwin returned to action just two weeks ago after an 11-month absence caused by the severe ankle injury he sustained in Week 7 of last season. The dislocated ankle required multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, keeping him sidelined through the entire offseason and first three games of 2025.
Since his comeback, Godwin has looked physically healthy on the field, playing over 80% of the snaps in his two games back while averaging 34 routes per contest. However, his production remained disappointing with just six receptions for 52 yards on 14 targets.
However, things took a turn leading into Week 6 when he missed practice with what the team’s injury report listed as a fibula issue. While initially described as “precautionary” due to soreness, Godwin hasn’t played or practiced since.
Entering Week 8, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles revealed that Godwin will once again be out against the Saints. The Bucs have a Week 9 bye, so it’s possible the team is being cautious with the star wide receiver and targeting a Week 10 return. However, the uncertainty surrounding this situation and Godwin’s medical history make this concerning.
Godwin’s fibula injury affects a different area than what was impacted by last year’s season-ending dislocation. This new injury is unrelated to his surgically repaired ankle, though it occurred during the team’s Week 5 game against Seattle.
Bowles has labeled Godwin as “week-to-week” with the fibula issue, but the Buccaneers haven’t placed him on injured reserve, suggesting they did not expect a four-week absence.
With Mike Evans sidelined for the season, Tampa Bay will hope Godwin can return in Week 10 to give the passing attack a boost.
Godwi͏n, now 29͏, has been a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ offense since being selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Penn State. A key contributor͏ to Tampa͏ Bay’s Super Bowl 55 ͏victory with Tom͏ Bra͏dy, he has amassed 58͏5 receptions, 7,318 yards, and 41 touchdowns in his career.
Despite his limited appearances this year, Tampa Bay’s offense has held strong. It currently ranks 18th overall in PFSN’s Offensive Impact metric, a testament to its depth and adaptability. Still, with a playoff push looming, the Buccaneers will be eager to have their star receiver healthy again.
Godwin’s Fantasy Outlook
The fibula cost Godwin the Bucs’ Monday night game against the Detroit Lions and continues to be labeled as “week-to-week” following this fibula injury.
The lack of clarity and the raw ability of Baker Mayfield require us to hold onto the veteran receiver, but this is a playoff team that is motivated to play the long game.
As of this writing, I’m not confident that I rank Godwin as a viable starter at any point for the remainder of this season, but we can’t act on that.
Not just yet.
