Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) is carted off the field against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Brutal Bucs WR injury might be fatal blow to their season

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Oct 21, 2024 11:59 PM ET

The Buccaneers lost more than just a football game to the Ravens on Monday night.

Late in the fourth quarter of Tampa Bay's 41-31 loss, wide receiver Chris Godwin suffered a brutal lower left leg injury that was too graphic for the ESPN broadcast to replay.

Medical personnel put an air cast on his leg and carted him off the field. Godwin shared a heartfelt moment with quarterback Baker Mayfield and received a warm reception from the home fans on his way toward the tunnel.

Baker and Chris ❤️ pic.twitter.com/N6rZnWAbjK
— NFL (@NFL) October 22, 2024

Bucs WR Chris Godwin was carted off the field with 43 seconds left in the game. pic.twitter.com/6Ip0ikHdGZ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 22, 2024

Per ESPN Analytics, Godwin has the fifth-highest wide receiver rating this season, buoyed by his outstanding yards after the catch (YAC) rating.

According to Pro Football Focus, Godwin entered "Monday Night Football" leading the league in YAC (347).

Godwin leads the Bucs in receptions (50) and receiving yards (576) and is second in touchdown receptions (five), trailing Mike Evans, who left Monday's game early with a hamstring injury.

The pair of wide receiver injuries couldn't have come at a worse time with the Falcons on deck in Week 8.

Atlanta (4-3) and Tampa Bay (4-3) are tied for first in the NFC South. With the Bucs potentially without their top two receiving options, they'll have a tough time avenging Week 5's 36-30 overtime loss.

Godwin's injury also comes ahead of his pending 2025 free agency. With his production through seven games this season, Godwin, 28, was set to sign a likely lucrative contract during the upcoming offseason, either in Tampa Bay or elsewhere.

The ramifications of Godwin's injury will be felt for weeks and likely months in Tampa.

Its 2024 season may have just hit the point of no return.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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