Why isn’t Chris Godwin playing for the Bucs against the Falcons in Week 1?
Wide receiver Godwin will play no part in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ season opener, as Todd Bowles’ men visit the Atlanta Falcons.
Long-term casualty Chris Godwin remains unavailable to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as the Floridians kick off their NFL season by visiting the Atlanta Falcons this weekend.
What injury does Godwin have?
Godwin has not played for the Buccaneers since suffering a dislocated ankle in Tampa Bay’s defeat to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7 of the 2024 season.
In late August, the wide receiver was activated off Tampa Bay’s ‘physical unable to perform’ (PUP) list and added to the team’s 53-man roster for the regular season.
When could Godwin return for the Bucs?
Speaking to WDAE’s Tom Krasniqi last week, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said Godwin is “looking good” as he works his way back to full fitness.
“He’s getting healthier by the day‚” Bowles said. “There’s some light at the end of the tunnel. I can’t say exactly when [he’ll return], but hopefully sooner than later. I think he’s closer to sooner than he is later.”
Asked to estimate Godwin’s earliest possible return date, Bowles replied: “That’s a good question, I wish I had that answer. I would say anywhere from Week 2 to Week 5."
Bucs general manager Jason Licht later told Krasniqi that he doesn’t expect to see the 29-year-old back before October. “I just always want to make sure that we’re being thoughtful with this and being smart about this, not putting them out there too early,” Licht said.
Tampa Bay’s first game in October is its Week 5 trip to Seattle to take on the Seahawks on Sunday 5.
Bucs injury report vs Falcons:
- Out: Chris Godwin (ankle), Christian Izien (oblique), Benjamin Morrison (quad), Tristan Wirfs (knee)
- Questionable: Vita Vea (foot)
Bucs vs Falcons: when, where, how to watch
In Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season, the Buccaneers take on the Falcons today, Sunday September 7, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kick-off in Atlanta, Georgia, is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT.
Viewers in the U.S. can watch the game on Fox. You can stream the network’s coverage on the online platform fubo, which offers a free trial.
In their fourth season under Bowles, the Buccaneers are aiming to reach the playoffs for the sixth year in a row. In 2024, they were eliminated in the Wild Card round by the Washington Commanders.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.