Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) has return back to practice Friday morning. Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles on Chris Godwin's return from injury: 'We're not getting our hopes up'

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 8/5/22

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin took a massively important step Friday morning in his return back from a torn ACL. The 2019 Pro Bowler returned to Bucs' practice for the first time since his ACL injury in December 2021, but head coach Todd Bowles was sure to pump the brakes on any premature celebration.

#Bucs coach Todd Bowles on the return of Chris Godwin. “Its good to see him out there. We’re not getting our hopes up.” Says Godwin is a long way from returning to a full practice routine.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 5, 2022

Despite missing the final three games of last season due to his injury, Godwin still led Tampa Bay in targets (127), receptions (98) and receiving yards (1,103), among other categories, and his target and reception totals were career highs as well. The former Penn St. Nittany Lion signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension with the organization in March.

The 26-year-old Godwin was not placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP) at the beginning of training camp, which had perhaps indicated that he was on the mend. Godwin has missed nine contests over the past three seasons after suiting up in 32 consecutive games to begin his career during the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

Aside from Godwin, quarterback Tom Brady's array of wide receiver options include Mike Evans, Julio Jones and Russell Gage among others.

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