The Tampa Bay Buccaneers received news about one of their most productive players, wide receiver Chris Godwin. Head coach Todd Bowles said the chances of Godwin returning is none.
According to Fox Sports Greg Auman, Bowles said Godwin won’t be back in time for the playoffs even if the Bucs make a long playoff run. Per Auman: “You guys have asked a lot, but Todd Bowles said neither Chris Godwin nor SirVocea Dennis are in position to return from longterm injuries, even in a deep playoff run.”
What Is Chris Godwin’s Injury?
The Buccaneers were 4-2 and looked like the top team in the NFC South entering Tampa Bay’s Week 7 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, and Godwin’s play was a big reason for the team’s success.
Unfortunately, Godwin suffered a devastating ankle injury late in the fourth quarter against Baltimore.
You guys have asked a lot, but Todd Bowles said neither Chris Godwin nor SirVocea Dennis are in position to return from longterm injuries, even in a deep playoff run.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 6, 2025
Shortly after, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that Godwin suffered a left ankle dislocation and is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season.
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.
Todd Bowles Taking the Heat
Bowles took a lot of heat after leaving Godwin in the game against the Baltimore Ravens where the Bucs were basically out of the game, eventually losing 41-31.
Bowles tried to defend his decision at the time to leave Godwin with the team’s slim chance of winning the game.
“He’s a player. We’re trying to win the ball game,” Bowles said about the decision to keep Godwin in the game. “We were still down 10. We’re trying to get extra points and kick another onside kick. [The injury] just happened.”
Bowles did not appreciate the media questioning his decision to keep Godwin in the game because he thought his team still had a chance to pull off the victory. Bowles had said this at the time back in October via the New York Post.
“You can say that because he got hurt. We don’t second-guess,” Bowles said. “We’ve got our guys. We’re playing everybody we’ve got. It’s unfortunate he got hurt, but he’s a football player and he wants to be in the game, just like Baker [Mayfield] and everybody else wanted to be in the game.”
Godwin’s injury hasn’t affected the Bucs that much but it may come playoff time. He was one of the most valuable players on this team having another Pro Bowl-type season.