Todd Bowles Gives Key Injury Update on Chris Godwin

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had an explosive start to the 2024 regular season. Baker Mayfield had the offense humming through six games to the tune of a 4-2 record. 

Certainly a fraction of the season, but that portion of the schedule did see Tampa Bay claim decisive wins over the Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions and eventual Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles.  

Nonetheless, this hot start grew out of many improvements, but also a lethal connection developed between Mayfield and wide receiver Chris Godwin. The star wideout holds the post of the No. 2 option in this offense but was on an outstanding trajectory to start the season. 

That start came to an abrupt end when Godwin dislocated his ankle at the end of the team's Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. His exit from the lineup proceeded three more losses for the Bucs. 

But the two sides have rallied since that incident. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future and free agency, Godwin returned to the Bucs on a three-year, $66 million deal. It is an exciting and critical outcome for the Bucs, who hope to have him return to form in 2025. 

On Tuesday, head coach Todd Bowles provided a status update on Godwin with team activities and training camp on the horizon. 

“I’m hoping he's on the field Week 1. I'll have more to know about that after [this] month goes on - see how he feels when he gets running and practicing and everything else."

The visual of his injury provided enough evidence for the severity of this matter. There were very faint hopes of a postseason return, but the long game is clearly the ultimate goal for this organization. 

Fortunately, this offense has veteran Mike Evans still formidable at the No. 1 spot. If Godwin has to miss some time early on to ensure a full recovery, the Bucs are built to withstand his absence. 

But the ultimate goal is to get him back and unlock the full capacity of this offense with Godwin flanked alongside Mayfield. Perhaps the two will get back to threatening defenses with the imposing connection they put on display last season. 

If Bowles' projected timeline follows through and there are no setbacks in the meantime, the Bucs should have no worries about Godwin's return.