The Bucs suffered yet another injury when Tampa Bay lost at home to Baltimore on Monday Night Football in Week 7. Not only did the Ravens defeat the Bucs 41-31, but wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin suffered leg injuries. loss.
Evans re-aggravated his hamstring in the second quarter and missed the next three games because of it. But Godwin’s dislocated ankle injury was more serious. Godwin caught a pass with less than a minute left and was tackled by Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith, whose weight landed on the receiver’s ankle. The Bucs quickly claimed Kurt, and Godwin’s season was over in an instant.
Or was it?
In a press conference the next day, Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles expressed optimism, suggesting Godwin might be able to return if the Bucs make the postseason and make the playoffs.
“He’s probably going to be out for the rest of the year,” Bowles said. “If the playoffs get delayed, there’s a chance he could come back, but he’s having surgery and will be out.”
The team has placed Godwin on injured reserve, and players on IR are generally not allowed to speak to the media inside team facilities. However, Godwin was seen attending a charity event hosted by the Yob Family Foundation in the Tampa Bay area and was interviewed by ABC Action News’ Kyle Berger, where he was asked about his recovery status.
Bucks wide receiver Chris Godwin, who is recovering from an ankle injury, teamed up with the Yob Family Foundation to distribute Christmas gifts to children affected by homelessness. pic.twitter.com/QUfc5vlx9Q
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) December 16, 2024
Bucks wide receiver Chris Godwin gives an update on his recovery from an ankle injury sustained in Week 7.
“It’s definitely a slow process, but like anything else, it takes a lot of work.” #Gobucks pic.twitter.com/E6zP7Yoo1F
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) December 16, 2024
Godwin spent some time talking about his recovery and was asked if he could return for the playoffs.
Bucks WR Chris Godwin – Photo courtesy of USA Today
“Well, the recovery is going well,” Godwin said. “It’s definitely a slow process, but like anything else, it takes a lot of work. And that’s what I’m focused on – just working, trying to help, and as quickly as possible.” Just trying to get back to being a teammate.”
As Godwin was wheeled into a cart after the Ravens game, television cameras caught him saying to a Bucks trainer who was also riding in the cart: “I’m going back to work.”
Efforts during injury rehab scenarios are nothing new for the second-best receiver in Tampa Bay history.
Godwin spent the entire 2022 offseason recovering and rehabbing a torn ACL suffered during the 2021 season against the Saints in early December, and he worked his way back like a champ. Despite the injury, the Bucs re-signed Godwin to a three-year, $60 million contract in the 2022 offseason, and he ended up playing all year, catching 104 passes for 1,023 yards and three touchdowns. Recorded.
Asked on Oct. 31 if there was an update on Godwin’s injury status, Bowles said, “Not at this time. He underwent surgery. He showed up for Sunday’s game and was treated. is doing as well as he can. Knowing Chris and his heart, he will be back as soon as possible.”
Could Chris Godwin return to the playoffs for the Bucks?
Bucks WR Chris Godwin – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
Bucs receiver Chris Godwin, who is set to become a free agent in the 2025 offseason, was seen at a charity event this week still using crutches to support his surgically repaired left ankle. It was done. Considering it’s already Dec. 17 and there are three weeks left in the regular season, this isn’t necessarily a great sign that he might return to the postseason.
When asked if he might be able to return this season for the playoffs, Godwin said:
“It’s still too early to know for sure,” Godwin said. “But I’m an optimist so that’s always the goal (to get back as soon as possible). I hope to get back as soon as possible. And if I can do that (get back to the playoffs) I’ll be very happy. If not. I am confident that my people will be able to handle the situation and take care of business.”
The Wild Card Round of the playoffs will be held on January 11th and 13th, the Divisional Round will be held on January 18th and 19th, and the NFC Championship Game will be held on January 26th. Super Bowl LIX will be held in New Orleans on February 9th. Godwin returns as a wild card. Rounds seem surreal at the moment. But maybe the NFC Championship Game?
Well, the same thing happened with the Bucks before.
Bucs defensive tackle Vita Vea broke his ankle in Chicago on Oct. 8, Week 5 of the 2020 season, and was placed on injured reserve. However, he worked hard on his rehabilitation and was able to return to play in the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl LV.
Godwin’s 2024 season is off to a great start as the primary receiver in coach Liam Cohen’s new offense. Through the first seven games of the 2024 season, Godwin had 50 catches for 576 yards and five touchdowns. This was his highest score since the 2021 season. Godwin was on pace to record 121 receptions, 1,398 yards and a career-high 12 touchdowns before his injury.
