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Buccaneers Announce Chris Godwin Jr. Development on Thursday
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 13. They're looking to bounce back after picking up their third straight loss, falling to the Los Angeles Rams 34-7 on "Sunday Night Football."

Wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. was shut down against the Rams. He finished the game with four targets for two receptions and nine yards. However, it was his first game back after suffering a fibula injury in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks.

At 6-5, the Buccaneers are in first place in the NFC South, looking to win the division for the fifth straight year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr.Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, though, in the team's first injury report for Week 13, it appeared the 29-year-old wide receiver took a step back. He was listed as a limited participant, once again because of a fibula injury.

Luckily, though, on Thursday, the Buccaneers announced an updated injury report, placing Godwin as a full participant.

In three games this season, the former third-round pick out of Penn State has been targeted 18 times, hauling in eight receptions for 61 yards and zero touchdowns. he'ss till a key piece to the offense, though.

"He's extremely smart, number one," head coach Todd Bowles said about Godwin before Week 12, according to the team's senior editor Scott Smith. "He's great in the run game and the pass game. He's a heck of a blocker and he's a heck of a receiver and has great hands and is reliable."

Tampa Bay is going up against a weaker Cardinals defense, which ranks 20th in the NFL in passing yards per game allowed (222.8). Having Godwin available will be key to exploiting that weakness.

That's especially true with quarterback Baker Mayfield's availability uncertain after suffering a shoulder injury against Los Angeles. He was limited during Thursday's practice.

Kickoff between the Buccaneers and the Cardinals is Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium, airing on Fox.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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