According to NFL insider Dan Graziano, the Buccaneers aren’t counting out Godwin for Week 1, but they believe there’s a chance he could miss a couple of games at the start of the season as he works his way back from injury. Godwin suffered a gruesome ankle injury in Week 7 last year that ended his season. The 29-year-old had three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and was well on his way to his fourth before last year’s injury cut his season short.
Chris Godwin Injury Update: No Panic in Tampa Bay
Who Will Step Up if Godwin Misses Time?
While Chris Godwin remains a key part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense, the team has no reason to panic if he misses the first few weeks of the season. Tampa Bay used its 2025 first-round pick on Ohio State star wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. Egbuka had a standout college career and was the third receiver selected in the draft, behind Travis Hunter and Tetairoa McMillan. Many draft experts have compared Egbuka to Lions standout receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The Buccaneers, as we all know, still have superstar Mike Evans, who is coming off a season in which he set the NFL record for most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to start a career with 11. Additionally, former 2024 third-round pick Jalen McMillan stepped up when Godwin was injured last year, showing real upside with 37 receptions for 461 yards and 8 touchdowns.
McMillan built strong chemistry with Baker Mayfield and proved he could handle expanded snaps when called upon. He also recorded at least one touchdown in his last 5 games of the season last year. His ability to line up both outside and in the slot gives the Buccaneers more flexibility in how they deploy their receivers.
McMillan: A Potential Trade Chip?
Tampa Bay is stacked at wide receiver. When Godwin returns, the Buccaneers are expected to have Evans, Godwin, and Egbuka on the field together. While there was speculation that Godwin might leave in free agency, he ultimately re-signed with the team in March on a three-year, $66 million deal.
Some questioned the decision to draft Egbuka in the first round, given the team’s depth at the position. However, Evans is now 31 and Godwin is returning from a significant injury. With everyone healthy, the odd man out is likely to be McMillan. He is talented enough to start elsewhere and be a legit WR2. It would not be surprising if his name begins to surface in trade rumors. McMillan is young and talented, which makes him an appealing trade chip for a team looking to add a starting-caliber wide receiver.
No Rush
There’s no need for the Buccaneers to rush Godwin back. If he misses the first few weeks of the season, the Buccs will be just fine. Evans, Egbuka, and McMillan are more than enough to keep the offense in stride. The Buccs also got their running game in stride last year with impressive rookie Bucky Irving taking over the backfield. The offense finished in the top five for both passing and rushing yards.
Tampa Bay’s balance on offense gives them flexibility early in the year. They can lean more on the ground game while Egbuka and McMillan take on larger roles in the passing attack. Godwin’s long-term health is more valuable than forcing a quick return, especially with Super Bowl hopes in mind.
Main Photo: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
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