Report: Bucs to activate Godwin off PUP, unlikely to play until October
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers plan to activate wide receiver Chris Godwin off the physically unable to perform list and will have him on the 53-man roster to begin the season, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Although Godwin likely won't play in a game until October, activating the 29-year-old will allow him to begin his ramp-up process as he continues to recover from a broken ankle suffered last October, adds Schefter. The veteran wideout is reportedly expected to start practicing in Week 2.
All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who's recovering from knee surgery, will also start the year on the 53-man roster, head coach Todd Bowles told reporters Thursday, per Schefter. Bowles added that Wirfs will miss time to start the season and has a similar recovery timeline to Godwin's.
Godwin re-signed with the Buccaneers in free agency on a three-year, $66-million contract with $45 million guaranteed. He apparently had higher offers from other teams but decided to take less money to remain in Tampa Bay.
The former Pro Bowler was having a terrific 2024 campaign before suffering the season-ending injury, totaling 50 receptions for 576 receiving yards and five touchdowns in seven contests.
Tampa Bay will also be without second-year wide receiver Jalin McMillan to start the campaign, as he's expected to be placed on injured reserve with a strained neck. Mike Evans and first-round rookie Emeka Egbuka are set to receive a heavy workload until Godwin returns.
The Buccaneers kick off their season against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 7.