An injury-ravaged Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster has managed to pull out victories against improbable odds. All across the roster, particularly on the offensive side of the football, the injuries are piling up quickly, but the Buccaneers still stand at 5-1 for the best record in the NFC. Concerns have existed, and compounded throughout the season, but their worries began before the year started.
Coming into the season, Tampa Bay knew it would be without its designated WR2, Chris Godwin, who had undergone surgery to repair an ankle dislocation he suffered in Week 7 of the 2024 season. After returning in Week 4, he lasted just two weeks on the field before again missing time last week. As the Bucs prepare for a pivotal game against the Detroit Lions, will they have one of their key contributors back in the lineup?
Will Chris Godwin Play Against the Lions?
After losing 30-17 to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Lions will be looking to bounce back against another contender in the NFC, the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay will be hoping to put its best foot forward and solidify itself as the cream of the crop in the conference.
However, with their top three receivers all battling injuries, according to PFSN’s Offense Impact, it is hard to imagine a scenario where the offense can perform at its top-10 level.
Unfortunately, the updates so far this week haven’t given fans much hope that things could change between now and Monday.
After surgeries to repair his ankle dislocation, Godwin returned to the lineup in Week 4. He was integrated into the mix rather slowly, catching just six passes for 52 yards in his two outings.
Right after, he was once again on the injury report, this time with a fibula issue. So far, there has been no confirmation of the exact diagnosis, but the updates about his participation haven’t been inspiring.
He did not practice last week and has started with no participation this week as well. His injury, though, is one that franchise legend and Hall of Famer Ronde Barber is also worried about, as he reported on the latest episode of “The Ronde Barber Show.”
“The ones that worry you are Bucky and Godwin. I can’t get a solid answer on what’s wrong with either of them.” With the designated injury to his fibula on the same leg as his ankle injury from last season, the worry has to be mounting within the organization.
This offseason, they gave the talented wide receiver a three-year, $66 million contract. However, the contract doesn’t have many limitations regarding injuries, which could prove costly for the Buccaneers if his issues turn out to be lingering.