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Bucs GM Had Telling Update On Star WR Chris Godwin

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Aug 5, 2025 4:19 PM ET

As Bucs wide receiver Chris Godwin continues to work his way through recovering from the Week 7 ankle injury that he suffered last season, the future's still a bit uncertain for the 29-year-old Super Bowl champ.

While Tampa Bay reportedly believes "there's a chance" the former Pro Bowler is able to suit up for Week 1, it's also possible that he misses a few games.

When asked if he envisions Godwin starting the season on the active roster, Bucs GM Jason Licht admitted "That, we don't know yet." But did offer a little bit of insight into how the veteran is healing up heading into Year 9.

"He's doing very well," Licht shared. "He's advancing through his protocols, he's exactly where they anticipated and hoped he would be at this point. We've still got a ways to go."

Jason Licht: We've still got a ways to go before knowing if Chris Godwin can play Week 1. https://t.co/zKaRZx8oTl
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 5, 2025

Godwin is currently on the PUP list with Buccaneers training camp underway after signing a three-year, $66 million contract this offseason.

In eight seasons in Tampa Bay, Godwin has caught 579 passes for 7,266 yards and 39 touchdowns — good for second-most in team history in all of those categories.

With the organization drafting Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka in the first round back in April, some felt the Bucs were preparing for life without Godwin, including ESPN analyst and former Tampa DT Booger McFarland.

"I just watch what they do as far as actions of people and not necessarily listen to what they say. And if you watch what the Bucs did, they drafted a wide receiver in the first round when clearly they needed to put all their resources on defense," McFarland said earlier this year.

"Based on what we saw from Chris Godwin at the end of last season, I think the Bucs are telling us they don't think he's going to be ready and it's going to be a while," he added.

"So I fully expect Chris Godwin not to be ready to start the season. And to be honest, I'm not really sure anyone in that building knows what to expect based on the injury history of what he's had the last couple years."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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