TAMPA, Fla. — Chris Godwin, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver, is set to undergo surgery for a dislocated left ankle, an operation that is likely to keep him out for the remainder of the regular season.
On Tuesday, Coach Todd Bowles revealed that the Buccaneers, currently holding a 4-3 record, are optimistic that Godwin may be able to return if the team can advance into the playoffs. This comes on the heels of the team’s loss of another key player, Mike Evans, who sustained a hamstring injury during Monday night’s game, where they fell 41-31 to the Baltimore Ravens.
Bowles commented, “He will be undergoing surgery very soon and probably be out for the year. There’s a chance, if we can make a late playoff run, he could be back.”
As for Evans, he is anticipated to miss at least three upcoming games against Atlanta, Kansas City, and San Francisco. He may return after the team’s bye week for their matchup against the New York Giants on November 24. The severity of Evans’ hamstring injury is considered moderate; Bowles mentioned that it is currently causing him significant discomfort following the reception of his 100th career touchdown early in the game.
During the second quarter, Baker Mayfield nearly completed another touchdown pass to Evans, but the ball slipped through Evans’ fingers as he collided with Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens, leading to a delay as trainers attended to him.
Godwin’s injury occurred in the game’s closing moments, prompting Bowles to defend his decision to leave Godwin on the field despite the situation’s dire nature. Godwin was having an impressive season with an NFL-leading 50 receptions, 576 yards, and five touchdowns before his injury.
Bowles noted, “He’s a player. We’re trying to win the ballgame. We were still down 10, we’re trying to get extra points and kick another onside kick. It just happened. With Mike (Evans) going down, we didn’t have that many receivers left as it was, so we play what we got.”
Quarterback Baker Mayfield expressed his frustration at losing two critical players, stating that he can’t recall being part of a team that faced such significant injuries. “Definitely not two of the guys that are the huge heartbeat of this team,” he remarked.
He added, “But like I said, we have to find a way. … We’re going to be playing for first place in the division next week at home against Atlanta. Got to have guys step up. That’s just the way it is. There’s no other way around it.”