The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got off to a strong start in 2024 but went off the rails amid a rash of key injuries. Among the banged-up stars is wide receiver Chris Godwin, who continues to rehab a serious ankle injury.
After suffering an ankle injury in a Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, has Godwin’s 2024 season come to an end? Here’s the latest on the wide receiver’s injury situation and chances for a return this season.
Will Chris Godwin Return From Injury This Season?
Godwin dislocated his left ankle following a catch late in the fourth quarter of the Buccaneers’ 41-31 loss to the Ravens. He underwent surgery the following week and is out for the foreseeable future.
#Bucs WR Chris Godwin will undergo surgery on his dislocated ankle this week, sources say. He’ll see a doctor today to determine the damage & is expected to make a full recovery for 2025 — when he’ll be a FA.
Godwin was in a career year with 576 receiving yds — 2nd in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/UPVOqFwjXT
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 22, 2024
Godwin was having a terrific season for Tampa Bay before his injury, posting 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns. He had his best game of the season in Week 6, finishing with season highs in receptions (11), receiving yards (125), and touchdown receptions (two) in a blowout win over the New Orleans Saints.
Through seven games, Godwin was on his way to the finest season of his career. He was pacing to finish with 121 receptions, 1,399 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns, all of which would have surpassed his career-high marks.
When Will Godwin Return From Injury?
The surgery to repair Godwin’s dislocated ankle has seemingly ended his 2024 season. However, while speaking with reporters in late October, Godwin didn’t rule out a return for the playoffs, should the Bucs eventually qualify for the postseason.
“I mean, I think that’s best-case scenario, right? Like absolute best case,” Godwin said of returning for the playoffs. “For all involved. Everything lines up. That’s what you kind of aim for.”
Godwin added: “It’s a very different injury, and obviously, I’ve never been through this before, but I trust the people that I’m going to be working with to help give me back. And the biggest thing for me is make sure that it’s secure, make sure that it’s strong and stable, and I’m not at risk of re-injury.”
Still, making the playoffs could be a difficult task for the Buccaneers. Along with Godwin, the Bucs’ wide receiver room is thinned out because Mike Evans (hamstring) isn’t expected to return to the field until after the Buccaneers’ Week 11 bye.
Will Godwin Be a Starter When He Returns?
To make matters worse for Godwin, he’ll be a free agent following this season. While it’s difficult to speculate on how much the injury will impact Godwin’s future with the Buccaneers, having a serious injury when you’re a pending free agent raises more questions than answers.
The one-time Pro Bowler (2019) was a starter in all but two games over the last six seasons, so whenever he returns, Godwin should have an inside track toward a starting role.
How Old Is Godwin?
Godwin, who is expected to make a full recovery and be ready to go next season, will enter the 2025 campaign as a 29-year-old (his birthday is Feb. 27). How much Godwin’s age and injury will factor into the plans of not only the Buccaneers but other NFL teams remains to be seen.
Historically, a wide receiver’s career usually begins its descent once they reach 30, so Godwin is probably looking at a short-term contract.