TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Star wide receiver Chris Godwin is expected to start practicing week two against the Houston Texans and should be ready to play by week 4 against the Eagles, the team announced Thursday.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said he’s going to play when the time is right
“Just when he’s ready, I mean he’s been out a long time,” Bowles said. “He has to get in football shape. Tristan is the same way. They will be off the PUP and see how it goes going forward. They are taken off the PUP list, but he has to get in football shape. I would not expect him to play early on.”
Rookie receiver Tez Johnson is battling for the number three role, and he’s one player who will have to step up while Godwin is healing. Johnson returned a punt for 37 yards against the Steelers last week.
“It felt awesome,” Johnson said. “Like I have always said, I take punt returns to heart so I critique myself really hard on games like that. I just wanted to showcase my ability. It was fun having a 37-yard, but I knew exactly when I went down. I could’ve scored. It was just one of those things trying to fill out the game.”
Johnson is adjusting to the NFL and making sure he is listening to everything Baker Mayfield is saying in the huddle. He said he is ready for when his name is called.
“Just make a play when they need me when the ball comes my way, I just try to catch everything from Baker,” Johnson said.
He is expected to play in the Bucs final preseason game against the Bills on Saturday.