As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp opens for the 2025 season, they already encounter an early obstacle with top wide receiver Chris Godwin being out because of the ankle injury he suffered last season, according to the latest Chris Godwin injury update. A stalwart of the Buccaneers' offense ever since he was drafted in 2017, Godwin's non-participation in team activities during Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp is a precautionary measure from the team to have their explosive and dynamic playmaker fully geared up for the regular season. With Tampa Bay looking to continue their five-straight playoff season run, everyone awaits with bated breath the Chris Godwin injury return schedule and how the team's depth manages his loss.

 

Chris Godwin Injury Update

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin will not be doing team drills at the start of training camp because he is still rehabilitating a serious ankle injury he suffered in 2024, NFL reporter Rick Stroud. 

Godwin dislocated his left ankle in a Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 21, 2024, and needed surgery, and that caused him to sit out for the remainder of the season. Despite hope for a full return for the 2025 season, head coach Todd Bowles has indicated that Godwin is continuing to make progress but is not yet cleared for team drills, with the team hoping for a Week 1 return. The conservative timeline is a testament to the Buccaneers' desire to get Godwin fully healthy because of his value to the offense and past determination in recovering from a 2021 ACL and MCL injury.

 

Chris Godwin Stats

Godwin was headed for a career-high season in 2024 before getting injured, demonstrating the worth of one of the NFL's top slot receivers. He was 50 receptions on 62 targets for 576 yards, averaging 11.5 yards per reception, with five scores and 33 first downs in seven games. His 80.6% catch rate and 82.3 yards per game reflected just how explosive and productive he was, pacing the league in receptions (50), first down receptions (30), and yards after catch (324) when he got hurt. Throughout his initial eight years with Tampa Bay, Godwin has accumulated 579 catches for 7,266 yards and 39 touchdowns in 111 games with four 1,000-yard seasons, 2019's Pro Bowl season among them. His return-to-play capability from injury, as seen through the recovery from the 2021 knee injury, offers hope for a healthy 2025.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart

With Godwin out for the beginning of training camp, the Buccaneers' WR depth chart will be able to accommodate more young players and veterans on the bench behind WR1 Mike Evans. The depth chart is already filled by Chris Godwin as the WR2, but since he's listed as questionable (Q), Sterling Shepard, Ryan Miller, and Dennis Houston are waiting in the wings to replace him. Freshman Emeka Egbuka, a first-round pick for the 2025 NFL Draft, holds down the WR3 spot behind Trey Palmer and Rakim Jarrett, with Garrett Greene competing for it too. Jalen McMillan, who flashed as a third-round 2024 selection, and speedy rookie Tez Johnson offer the depth, driving a competitive battle for work in camp. The tight end unit, which is headed by Cade Otton, is intact, and they serve as solid options for quarterback Baker Mayfield as the team weathers through Godwin's recovery. The depth is enough to allow Tampa Bay to be safe with Godwin without sacrificing offense.

The Buccaneers, who finished a 9-8 year and their fifth consecutive playoff season, were more concerned with Godwin's long-term health in chasing their sixth consecutive postseason in 2025. Fantasy football owners and fans will be looking to Godwin for a return to health from the Delaware-raised and Penn State-bred receiver so highly sought for his work ethic and leadership.

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