Update emerges about injured Bucs stars Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been without two of their best offensive players for the majority of the season, and it does not sound like the bye week was enough for either to get back to full strength.

Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin worked his way back this season from a serious ankle injury he suffered midway through 2024. He made his season debut in Week 4, but he sustained a fibula injury in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks and has not played since.

Bucky Irving, who is Tampa Bay's top running back, injured both his foot and shoulder in Week 4. He has missed the last four games.

The Buccaneers had their bye in Week 9 and are preparing to host the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving will likely miss more time 

On Thursday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler provided an update on both Irving and Godwin. The reporter said the shoulder issue has lingered for Irving, while the Bucs do not want to push anything with Godwin's latest injury. Godwin may not be ready to return until December, while Irving seemingly has a chance to come back sooner.

"Chris Godwin is in a similar situation dealing with a fibula issue. With him coming back with the injury last year as well, then he aggravated his fibula early in the year, they just don't want to press it with him," Fowler said. "They're thinking late-November or December with Chris Godwin. We'll take it week-to-week with him. We'll see if he can practice on Friday, but he was not out there today, similar to Irving.

"So, it could be a situation where they have those two star players out yet again, despite the rest coming off the bye."