The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been without several of their best offensive weapons for the majority of the 2025 NFL season - including veteran wide receiver Chris Godwin.
Godwin missed most of the 2024 season after suffering a gruesome leg injury in Week 7. After making a full recovery over the offseason, the 29-year-old pass-catcher returned to the field in Week 4. Unfortunately, he suffered a setback in Week 5 and has missed each of the Buccaneers’ last three games with a fibula injury.
Godwin was unable to participate in either of the Buccaneers’ practice sessions so far this week, making it unlikely he takes the field for Sunday’s Week 10 matchup against the New England Patriots.
Godwin’s absence could be even longer than expected.
During an appearance on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” Thursday, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler said Godwin will likely be out until “late November - December.”
“They just don’t want to press it with him,” Fowler said. “They’re thinking late November - December. They’ll take it week-to-week for him. We’ll see if he can practice on Friday, but he was not out there today.”
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The Buccaneers have several key players dealing with injury issues at this point in the season.
Second-year running back Bucky Irving, who’s missed each of Tampa Bay’s last four games, was also unable to take the field for practice on Wednesday or Thursday as he continues to deal with foot and shoulder injuries. Veteran wide receiver Mike Evans is on the injured reserve after suffering what is believed to be a season-ending broken collarbone in Week 7.
Despite these injury issues, Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers are 6-2 coming out of their Week 9 bye - holding No. 1 position in the NFC South.
Sunday’s Week 10 matchup against Drake Maye and the Patriots will kickoff at 1 p.m. ET.
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