Slot receiver Chris Godwin is on the physically unable to perform list and it’s too early for Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles to declare his status for Week 1 of the regular season in September.
Godwin, 29, is itching to get back on the field. He spent the past nine months working to be ready, rehabbing from a dislocated ankle and additional damage in his lower leg.
He was lost for the season in a 41-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the team’s seventh game of the season while on pace for another 100-catch season. He wrapped up 2024 with 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns.
“He’s coming along great,” Bowles said.
“He’s on track. We’ve got to see what the process is for him to get out on the field and do some things,” Bowles added. “We’ll continue to listen to the doctors and the trainers. He’s in great spirits, as well. Again, I don’t have a timeline on that, but hopefully it’ll be soon.”
The offensive system in Tampa is likely to be largely the same but there is a transition at offensive coordinator for the third consecutive year. Josh Grizzard was promoted from passing game coordinator to replace new Jaguars head coach Liam Coen. Coen was hired before the 2024 season, replacing 2023 offensive coordinator Dave Canales. Canales was hired as head coach of the Carolina Panthers in 2024.
Mike Evans is back as the No. 1 receiver for the Bucs. Rookie Emeka Egbuka and 2024 rookie Jalen McMillan are vying for snaps with Godwin’s return date uncertain.
Grizzard said last week in an interview on WFLA that McMillan was in a “good spot.”
“I think that where (McMillan) left last season and the progress he showed on and off the field, and you could see that carry over into the spring with not having Chris out there and bringing Emeka along and him showing Emeka the ropes — then his ability to just do that and be himself and really just take off where he left off, then I think that would be huge if we were just going to actually circle one,” Grizzard said. “But you know how it is: At the end of the day, it takes all 11. And he’s in a good spot.”
Bucs WR Chris Godwin no guarantee Week 1
