Bucs WR Chris Godwin 'trending towards playing'

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin is "definitely trending towards playing" on Sunday night against the host Los Angeles Rams, coach Todd Bowles said Friday.

Godwin has missed the last five games with a fibula injury after sitting out the season's first three games while finishing his rehab from a season-ending ankle injury in 2024. He has six catches on 14 targets for 52 yards in two games.

Bowles said the return of Godwin to the lineup helps the entire Tampa Bay offense.

"He's extremely smart, number one. He's great in the run game and in the pass game, he's a heck of a blocker, and he's a heck of a receiver," Bowles said. "Has great hands, reliable. He's one of (those) guys once Baker (Mayfield) starts to scramble that knows how to get open, and he finds them and he trusts him, so it brings an added element for us."

The NFC South-leading Buccaneers (6-4) have lost their last two games heading into the prime-time clash with the NFC West-leading Rams (8-2).

Bowles ruled out running back Bucky Irving (shoulder, foot), left guard Ben Bredeson (hamstring), linebacker Haason Reddick (ankle, knee) and cornerback Jamel Dean (hip).

Godwin rejoins a depleted wide receiver corps with Mike Evans (collarbone) on injured reserve and standout rookie Emeka Egbuka (illness) limited in practice this week. Sterling Shepard was limited to begin the week with a shoulder injury.

Godwin, 29, has 585 catches for 7,318 yards and 39 touchdowns in 113 career regular-season games with the Bucs, who drafted him in the third round in 2017. He made the Pro Bowl in 2019 and has four 1,000-yard seasons.