Through the first seven weeks of the 2024 NFL season, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was playing at an elite level. However, during the final moments of the Bucs’ Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Godwin suffered a gruesome injury that was initially described as season-ending.
Now, with the Bucs looking poised to win their fourth consecutive NFC South title, is there a chance that Godwin will return in the playoffs? He recently provided an update on his recovery and potential timeline to return.
Chris Godwin Hoping To Return in NFL Playoffs
Godwin suffered a devastating left ankle dislocation late in the fourth quarter against Baltimore. The next day, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles told reporters that Godwin is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season, but he did leave open the possibility of the star wide receiver returning for the postseason.
“There’s a chance, if we can make a late playoff run, he could be back,” Bowles said.
Godwin previously described a postseason return as the “best-case scenario.” Now, in an interview with Kyle Burger of ABC Action News, he elaborated on the possibility of coming back for the playoffs.
“It’s still too soon to really know for sure,” Godwin said when asked directly about playing in the postseason. “But, I mean, me as an optimist, that’s what I always aim for. I hope to be back as soon as I can, and if I’m able to [return in the postseason], I’ll be over the moon. But if not, I’m sure my guys will be able to take care of it and handle business.”
Bucs WR Chris Godwin gives me an update on his recovery from a Week 7 ankle injury.
"It's a slow grind for sure, but like anything else, it just takes a lot of work." #GoBucs pic.twitter.com/E6zP7Yoo1F
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) December 16, 2024
Godwin has been attacking his rehab behind the scenes.
“Man, recovery’s been going great,” Godwin said. “It’s a slow grind, for sure, but just like anything else, it just takes a lot of work. That’s what I’m focused on, putting in the work so I can get back to my teammates as quick as possible.”
It’s worth noting that Godwin is still walking with a crutch, so he is still a ways from returning to the field. However, the playoffs don’t get underway until Jan. 11, 2025.
Before suffering the injury, Godwin was on pace for the best season of his NFL career, catching 50 passes for 576 yards and five touchdowns through seven games.
Godwin is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
After Sunday’s 40-17 road win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Tampa Bay is 8-6 and winners of four straight games. This season, the Bucs have wins over the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, and Chargers, plus they nearly defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime.
The red-hot Bucs have the NFL’s fourth-easiest schedule down the stretch, with remaining games against the Dallas Cowboys (road), Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints.
According to PFN’s Playoff Predictor, the Bucs now have an 83.7% chance of making the playoffs and a 79.3% chance of winning the NFC South. It’s very possible that Tampa Bay could win the division and enter the postseason on a seven-game winning streak.
The Bucs are looking like they could be a tough out in the postseason, and they’ll only be scarier if they add Godwin back in the mix.
