The Bucs are banged-up at a number of positions heading into their Week 13 game against the Panthers on Sunday, but there may be hope for one key player as of early Sunday morning. ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted just after midnight that Chris Godwin, who is dealing with a neck injury, is “likely to play” against Carolina.
Schefter did note, however, that the Bucs will need to see how Godwin feels in warmups on Sunday afternoon to make sure he’s good to go.
Godwin was a late addition to the injury report this week, first popping up as a limited participant in Thursday’s practice. He was then a non-participant on Friday, leading him to be tagged as questionable for Sunday’s game.
What’s The Plan If Chris Godwin Can’t Play On Sunday?
If Chris Godwin isn’t feeling right in pregame warmups on Sunday and lands on the inactive list, that would likely mean bigger roles for rookie Trey Palmer and second-year receiver Deven Thompkins. It could also mean a heavier reliance on Evans, as well as running back Rachaad White and tight end Cade Otton.
But there are two more receivers who could find themselves in the mix if Godwin can’t go, as the Bucs elevated both David Moore and Ryan Miller from the practice squad on Saturday. Godwin’s uncertain status combined with rookie Rakim Jarrett being on injured reserve led to the two elevations.
Moore is an NFL veteran, having been around the league since 2017. Miller, meanwhile, was an undrafted signee by the Bucs earlier this year. The Furman product could be set for his NFL debut on Sunday against the Panthers.
Can Chris Godwin Rediscover His Best Down The Stretch?
If Chris Godwin indeed can play in Sunday’s game against the Panthers, it would be nice to see the Godwin of old resurface. While he hasn’t had a particularly bad 2023 season, the 27-year-old receiver isn’t reaching the heights he once did as a 1B to Mike Evans’ 1A. Rather, he’s been more of a true No. 2.
Through 11 games, Godwin has 53 catches for 606 yards and a touchdown, averaging 11.4 yards per catch. His yards per catch average is up nearly two yards from last year, but he is on pace for 82 catches for 937 yards right now. Those would be his lowest totals since 2020, when he caught 65 passes for 840 yards and seven touchdowns while being limited to 12 games.
So, what has happened to Godwin? There are a number of factors for his slight downturn in production. He did suffer a serious knee injury back in 2021, so that’s perhaps a factor. The change in quarterback, overall offensive scheme and what he’s being asked to do within the scheme are more direct reasons.
The Bucs signed Godwin to a three-year, $60 million contract before the 2022 season. As crazy as it seems, he’s soon going to be entering the final year of that contract. A decision on Godwin’s future looms for Tampa Bay, and it could be a complicated decision given the team also has to reach a decision about Evans’ future. The leading receiver in franchise history is in a contract year right now and still playing at a high level.
If Chris Godwin can get back to the Chris Godwin of 2019-2022 down the stretch of this season, that would certainly help Bucs decision-makers going forward. And it would probably help the team win some games in the meantime.
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