Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles is painting a picture of cautious optimism regarding wide receiver Chris Godwin’s return from a season-ending dislocated ankle, suggesting that the All-Pro slot man could make it back onto the field “anywhere from Week 2 to Week 5.”
Bowles shared that outlook during a radio appearance, noting that Godwin is “working his way back” and “getting healthier by the day,” giving hope that his return might come sooner rather than later.
Godwin, who suffered the injury in Week 7 of last season and underwent surgery, was officially activated off the PUP list and placed on the Buccaneers’ 53-man roster ahead of the 2025 season. While this marks a critical step in his comeback process, the coaching staff emphasized that his activation is intended for ramp-up rather than immediate game action as he starts conditioning.
Godwin’s return would be a pivotal boost to Tampa Bay’s passing attack, especially with rookie Emeka Egbuka likely to fill in during the early weeks and veteran Jalen McMillan sidelined. The Bucs will heavily rely on Egbuka alongside Mike Evans until Godwin is fully ready.
At this stage, Bowles’s Week 2–5 projection offers both hope and caution: hope that the franchise star could return early, and caution to ensure that his comeback isn’t rushed. The next few weeks of practice will be key in determining when Tampa Bay can welcome back its versatile and reliable weapon in the passing and blocking game.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Timetable is emerging for Bucs’ Chris Godwin Jr. to return from injury
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
