Will Chris Godwin Miss Buccaneers’ 2025 Season Opener? Latest Update

Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Chris Godwin is still rehabbing a dislocated ankle suffered in Week 7 of the 2024 season, and his availability for the start of the 2025 season is uncertain.

After undergoing surgery for the injury, Godwin was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to start training camp. Coach Todd Bowles reports that Godwin is progressing in his rehab, but the team is taking a cautious approach to his recovery. As a result, Godwin’s Week 1 readiness remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from a potential on-time return to missing several games.

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According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven’t set a definitive return date for star wide receiver Godwin, who’s still rehabbing from a dislocated ankle suffered in Week 7 of the 2024 season. While it’s possible Godwin could be ready for Week 1, there’s also a chance he might miss “a couple of games” to start the year. Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht noted that Godwin is progressing well in his recovery, but we’ve still got a ways to go before he’s ready to return to the field. Head Coach Todd Bowles echoed this sentiment, saying he’s “hopeful” Godwin will be on the field for Week 1, but a final decision will depend on his progress in the coming weeks.

Bucs GM Jason Licht said Chris Godwin is exactly where the team hoped he’d be in his recovery so far this offseason.

Licht on Godwin’s return and recovery via Fox Sports Greg Auman,

“That, we don’t know yet. He’s doing very well. He’s advancing through his protocols, he’s exactly where they anticipated and hoped he would be at this point. He’s still got a ways to go.”

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Godwin’s status, the Buccaneers have a talented receiving corps, including Mike Evans, Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan, who are vying for snaps. General Manager Jason Licht noted that Godwin is “doing very well” in his rehab, advancing through his protocols as expected, but “we’ve still got a ways to go” before he’s ready to return to the field.