Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers star WR Chris Godwin on Week 1 status: 'I don't think any of us know that yet'

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 9/6/22

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys will conclude Sunday's Week 1 action in the NFL as they square off on "Sunday Night Football" at 8:20 p.m. ET. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Bucs still don't know if they'll have the services of star wide receiver Chris Godwin.

"...the most about my process is me, firstly, my wife and PT (physical therapist).
Asked if he has a say: "I would imagine I have the final say. It's going to come down to feel. Because I understand what I'm capable of doing on the field when healthy. But I also understand..
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) September 6, 2022

"...what I'm capable of pushing through. Like I said, most guys aren't healthy after a couple weeks into the season. Most of my career, I've been playing through something so I know I can do it at a high level. It's just doing it because of what I've just experienced...
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) September 6, 2022

"...doing it the smartest way I can...In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter that much. I would love to be there for the entire season, but I think what's more important is being there for the second half of the season. Being there for what I missed last year.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) September 6, 2022

When asked to put a percentage on it, Godwin declined. "I've never been through this before so I don't know what the feeling is going to be like when I'm like, 'Yo, I'm ready.''
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) September 6, 2022

A Pro Bowler in 2019, Godwin missed the final three games of the 2021 NFL season after suffering a torn ACL. He returned to practice for the first time just one month ago and shed his knee brace for the first time on Monday.

Despite missing time last year, Godwin finished the season by leading Tampa Bay in targets (127), receptions (98) and receiving yards (1,103). His target and reception totals were career highs.

If healthy, Godwin is slated to line up in three-wide sets alongside Mike Evans and newcomer Russell Gage.

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