Bucs place Chris Godwin in concussion protocol

A helmet-to-helmet hit has left Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin in concussion protocol. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers place Chris Godwin in concussion protocol

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/16/20

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are looking to bounce back against the Carolina Panthers after a Week 1 loss to the New Orleans Saints, could potentially have to do so without Chris Godwin.

The 24-year-old receiver missed practice on Wednesday, and ESPN's Adam Schefter later revealed it's because he's currently in concussion protocol.

Bucs’ WR Chris Godwin is in concussion protocol.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2020

Godwin hadn't experienced symptoms on either Monday or Tuesday, but he could've suffered the concussion when he took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Saints safety D.J. Swearinger on Sunday.

If he misses any time, it'll be a huge loss for the Buccaneers -- more specifically for Tom Brady. The six-time Super Bowl champion targeted Godwin seven times, with the wide receiver reeling in six catches for 79 yards.

Three years after entering the NFL, Godwin is considered to be one of the league's rising talents and has put himself in a good position to receive a hefty raise on his next deal. In 2019, he recorded 86 receptions for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns in 14 games. A hamstring injury sidelined him for the final two games of the season and the Pro bowl.

If he's unavailable for Week 2 against the Panthers, Brady will have to rely on Mike Evans, Rob Gronkowski and possibly Justin Watson or Scotty Miller.

More must-reads: