The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered their bye week hoping to regain some much-needed offensive firepower, but one of their key playmakers remains sidelined. As Week 11 approaches, questions surrounding wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr.’s health have grown louder, with little evidence to suggest a return is imminent.
Godwin’s Recovery Takes an Uncertain Turn
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles provided a telling update earlier this week. According to Tampa Bay Times reporter Rick Stroud, “Bucs coach Todd Bowles made pretty clear he did not expect Bucky Irving or Chris Godwin to practice or play Sunday at Buffalo. He said he would wait and see whether Hasson Reddick can practice.”
That statement all but confirmed that Godwin’s recovery from a fibula injury has hit another delay. The setback comes at a frustrating time for the Buccaneers, who hoped to build momentum after the bye week. Godwin’s absence, now extending into its fifth game, has left a noticeable void in the Buccaneers’ passing attack.
Earlier in the season, the veteran receiver was trending in the right direction. After missing the first three weeks of 2025 while recuperating from an ankle fracture suffered late in the previous campaign, Godwin made a strong return in Week 4. Playing in 80% of offensive snaps, he appeared fully recovered and displayed no lingering effects from the ankle injury.
Week 5 mirrored that performance, with another 80% snap share, consistent routes, and clear chemistry with the offense. Unfortunately, that same game also marked the beginning of a new problem. A fibula issue, first described as minor, has since proven stubborn, keeping Godwin out of practice and games ever since.
Head coach Bowles previously clarified that the injury is not season-ending, a small piece of good news amid the uncertainty. However, that optimism has done little to define when the 28-year-old receiver might actually return to the field.
The team’s Week 10 bye offered a possible turning point, with expectations that the extra rest could help accelerate his recovery. Instead, Godwin did not practice at all during the following week, maintaining the same no-participation pattern since his injury occurred.
Will the Buccaneers Get Godwin Back Anytime Soon?
Given Bowles’ latest comments and Godwin’s continued absence from practices, it appears highly unlikely he will suit up in Week 11. While the team insists his injury will not end his season, the lack of progress suggests a longer road to full recovery.
For now, the Buccaneers will once again have to adapt offensively without their veteran wideout, a reality that could test the team’s depth and resilience in the weeks ahead. The team is ranked 21st in PFSN’s Offensive Impact metrics, with a score of 72.5.
