After a strong start to the regular season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have dealt with multiple injuries to key players on offense. While Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans is expected to return from a hamstring injury in Week 12, the same can’t be said for Chris Godwin.
Godwin suffered a significant ankle injury during Tampa Bay’s game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7. Here’s the latest on Godwin’s injury and how long he’ll be out for the Buccaneers.
What Is Chris Godwin’s Injury?
The Buccaneers were 4-2 and playing at a high level ahead of Tampa Bay’s matchup against the Ravens in Week 7. Godwin was playing like one of the best wide receivers in the NFL and off to a scorching hot 2024.
Unfortunately, Godwin suffered an ankle injury during garbage time against the Ravens late in the fourth quarter. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles later confirmed that Godwin suffered a left ankle dislocation and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Chris Godwin –
Appears to suffer a Left ankle fracture/dislocation.
Tampa Bay now down Godwin rest of season and Mike Evans for several weeks. Absolutely brutal.
pic.twitter.com/xTKmuMCHRW— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 22, 2024
Before suffering the injury, Godwin was on pace for the best season of his NFL career. In seven games, Godwin had 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns. Godwin is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
When Will Godwin Return From Injury?
Godwin is not expected to return from his ankle injury this season. Although, given that Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes are still alive, Bowles hasn’t ruled out a postseason return for Godwin just yet.
“He will be undergoing surgery very soon and probably be out for the year,” Bowles said in October. “There’s a chance, if we can make a late playoff run, he could be back.”
According to Pro Football Network’s Playoff Predictor, the Buccaneers have a 47.4% chance to make the playoffs. Although Tampa Bay’s chances to win the Super Bowl are significantly lower, PFN projects that the Buccaneers have a 1.5% chance to win it all.
Therefore, there remains a slight chance that Godwin could return for the Buccaneers this season after all. Given his upcoming free agent status, Godwin could prefer to return to the field and prove he’s fully healthy before hitting the open market in 2025.
How Has Godwin’s Absence Impacted the Buccaneers?
Since Godwin went down in Week 7, the Buccaneers have struggled. Including Tampa Bay’s matchup against the Ravens, the Buccaneers have now lost four consecutive games.
Tampa Bay enjoyed a much-needed bye week in Week 11 and will return to action against the struggling New York Giants in Week 12. The Buccaneers are also expected to welcome back star wide receiver Mike Evans against the Giants as well.
Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has stepped up during Godwin’s absence, as he has quickly become Baker Mayfield’s favorite target in Tampa Bay. Since Week 7, Otton has hauled in 30 receptions for 293 yards and three touchdowns.
While Evans’ potential return could impact Otton’s role, he should remain one of Mayfield’s top two targets moving forward. Tampa Bay’s remaining schedule is very favorable, with several matchups against teams with the worst record in the NFL.