Update: Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said after practice on Thursday that there's a chance Chris Godwin plays in Monday night's game. He also said Tristan Wirfs is 'in play' as well in terms of potentially making his season debut.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off to a great start, winning their season opener over the Atlanta Falcons. With franchise legend Mike Evans and emerging rookie Emeka Egbuka, the Bucs looked good at wide receiver in Week 1. However, Tampa Bay is still missing an important member of the group: Chris Godwin.
The veteran has been sidelined since an injury in Week 7 last season that led to multiple ankle surgeries. Fortunately, his time on the sideline is nearing an end. On Thursday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Godwin is returning to practice on Thursday for the first time since his injury. While the receiver will be limited, this is a big step in his return to the game.
Chris Godwin is recovering from a second surgery to fix some hardware in his ankle, a procedure that probably sped up his return. The team is hopefully for a Week 5 debut, though Week 6 is also possible. https://t.co/ZPPCrscXvB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2025
Chris Godwin returns to practice for the Buccaneers
Tampa Bay will be smart about working Godwin back into the mix, as Rapoport also reported the team is still targeting a Week 5 or Week 6 debut. The hope was always that Godwin would return to play in October, as the team wanted to make sure he could practice and ramp up into football shape before he’s officially back in the lineup. Back on the practice field, that process is officially getting started.
Even while injured, Godwin signed a three-year extension with the franchise this offseason, as both sides expressed their commitment to each other. The receiver was drafted by the Buccaneers in 2017, and has thrived with the franchise since. In his eight years, he has played in 111 games, catching 579 passes for 7,266 yards and 39 touchdowns.
Only 29 years old, Godwin is still productive when healthy, and that’s why everyone is excited to see the trio of him, Mike Evans, and Emeka Egbuka. With Godwin returning to the practice field, fans will soon see that trio in a game.