The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened the 2025 campaign with a tightly contested 23-20 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. While there were some concerns that emerged from this game for the Bucs, a win is a win at the end of the day, and they will be pleased to have taken down their top competition in the NFC South to open the new season.
Making this win even sweeter is the fact that the Buccaneers were not at full health, even though this was their first game of the season. One key player who was not on the field for this game was star wide receiver Chris Godwin, but based on his latest injury update, he’s taken a big step towards making his return to the field for Tampa Bay.
Chris Godwin Returns to Practice for the Buccaneers
Alongside Mike Evans, Godwin has become a key piece of Tampa Bay’s offense over the past couple of seasons. The big issue for Godwin, though, has been staying on the field, as he’s suffered a couple of severe injuries throughout his career, the most recent being a gruesome dislocated ankle that cut his 2024 campaign short.
Prior to going down in Week 7, Godwin was on pace to put together the most productive season of his career, as he had 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns in just seven games played. The Buccaneers struggled to truly replace him on offense, and while they made it to the playoffs, they quickly bowed out in the wild card round after losing to the Washington Commanders.
Since suffering this injury, Godwin has been working hard to get himself back to full health, and while he isn’t there yet, he appears to be closing in on a return to action. On Thursday, Godwin took a big step forward as he practiced with the Buccaneers for the first time this season, indicating that he is on the right track in his injury rehab.
Good news for the Bucs: Star WR Chris Godwin is expected to practice today for the first time and he’ll be limited. Part of his return to play process, but a very good sign,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network shared in a post on X.
When is Chris Godwin Expected to Return to Action for the Buccaneers?
GettyTampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin.
Godwin wasn’t expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 campaign, but when the Buccaneers activated him from the Physically Unable to Perform list ahead of Week 1, that led some folks to believe he could be ready to return sooner rather than later. Despite that, Godwin is reportedly aiming to return by Week 5, but the team won’t push him to go if he isn’t ready by then.
With the finish line for his injury rehab in his sights now, you can bet Godwin is going to continue putting in the work necessary to get himself ready for his return. However, it won’t be coming in Week 2, even as he returns to practice, so Tampa Bay will have to find a way to take down the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football without one of its top players at its disposal.
Buccaneers Get ‘Very Good Sign’ on Chris Godwin’s Progress