Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin gave fans (and fantasy owners) a scare when he popped up on the injury report this week with a fibula injury.
Godwin’s season-ending ankle injury in 2024 also included a fibula fracture, so there was some concern that the veteran wideout had suffered a setback after returning to the field in Weeks 4 and 5. However, Godwin’s injury in a different area of the fibula than last year’s fracture, per FOX Sports’ Rick Stroud. He is considered week-to-week and is not expected to land on injured reserve, which would mandate a four-game absence.
The Buccaneers did rule out Godwin for Week 6 (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter) along with Mike Evans. The two have not shared the field this season, with Godwin missing the first three games and Evans missing the last two. They will both be sidelined, which will likely elevate Sterling Shepard into a starting role and increase opportunities for Ryan Miller and Tez Johnson. The absence of running back Bucky Irving, the team’s second-leading pass-catcher, will also have an impact, but backup Rachaad White has been an excellent receiving back in his career.
Of course, Tampa Bay’s passing game will still be heavily reliant on rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka, who has racked up 445 receiving yards in his first five games, more than one-third of the team’s total for the season. The Buccaneers hoped that he could combine with their Pro Bowl veterans to form one of the league’s best receiver trios, but they will have to wait at least one more week to see all three on the field together.
Godwin probably wanted to rush back a bit after Evans got hurt. Think they always wanted him back around week 6 or 7. If Jmac was fine he would on limited plays. Hopefully Godwin leg is just sore from playing on turf for 1st time. Need him more in playoffs than regular season.
Tez played well last game. Shep is trusted, and Miller caught the td in Houston game. All of them are quick and Bucs do screens well.