The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have provided vague updates on star wide receiver Chris Godwin's recovery from a dislocated ankle he suffered last October. Whether they've been genuinely unsure of his exact timeline or have just been leaving the door open to be pleasantly surprised is unclear. However, the latest intel from The Insiders finally gives fans clarity ahead of the team's 2025 regular-season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
Tampa Bay is targeting a Week 5 return for Godwin, per by Judy Battista of NFL.com. Yet, the reporter also stopped short of declaring that a definitive date, adding that Week 6 or 7 is also a "realistic possibility." The Buccaneers are ostensibly slow-playing with a core piece of their franchise, though the Krewe was probably hoping for better news.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @MikeGarafolo, @JudyBattista and @TomPelissero: #Browns RB Quinshon Judkins has signed; #Vikings QB JJ McCarthy is ready and comfortable for his debut; #Bucs targeting Week 5 for WR Chris Godwin; On Micah Parsons’ anticipated debut with Green Bay. pic.twitter.com/3MnwovEGKI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 7, 2025
Buccaneers fans get long-awaited injury return timeline on star WR Chris Godwin
It's an unfortunate development for everyone involved, especially considering the Bucs activated Godwin off the Physically Unable to Perform list on Aug. 21. He "hasn't been on a field" since initially going down last year, Battista concerningly mentions. But on the bright side, barring any setbacks, the one-time Pro Bowler could resume practicing "as soon as this week."
Moreover, Battista notes that Godwin's extended absence requires a "long run-up period." In other words, it may be a while before we see him in action, let alone in pre-injury form. His health (or lack thereof) shows that the selection of rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka was more of a necessity than a luxury as originally perceived.
Many questioned why the Bucs took Egbuka with the No. 19 overall pick this spring. They already had Tampa Bay legend Mike Evans and signed Godwin to a lucrative multi-year contract extension not long before. Not to mention, second-year pro Jalen McMillan appeared ready to build on a strong finish to his rookie season. With the benefit of hindsight, general manager Jason Licht is seemingly justified, albeit not how he envisioned.
Godwin was pacing for a career-best campaign across the board in 2024 before getting hurt. The 29-year-old was leading the league in receptions at the time with 50. His 576 receiving yards and five touchdowns trailed only eventual triple crown winner Ja'Marr Chase. The Bucs are hoping to see him pick up where he left off, even if it means proceeding with extreme caution. Tampa Bay is operating with the big picture in mind as they eye a fifth straight NFC South crown.