The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made a significant roster change by placing wide receiver Chris Godwin on injured reserve due to an ankle injury that necessitates surgery. This announcement came on Wednesday, coinciding with the addition of punter Trenton Gill and wide receiver Ryan Miller to the active roster from the practice squad.

Additionally, the team has brought punter Jack Browning and wide receiver Dennis Houston into the practice squad for reinforcement. Godwin suffered a dislocated left ankle in the final moments of Monday’s game, which ended in a 41-31 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens. Although it appears that he may not return for the remainder of the season, head coach Todd Bowles indicated that there is a possibility of Godwin playing again during the playoffs, should the Buccaneers advance deep into January.

In terms of performance, Godwin has had an impressive season so far, leading the NFL with 50 receptions and 33 receiving first downs through just seven games. He ranks second in the league for receiving yards with 576 and is tied for the third position for touchdown receptions with five.

The Buccaneers’ struggles were compounded by the loss of another key receiver, Mike Evans, who sustained a hamstring injury in the same game against the Ravens. Evans is projected to be sidelined for a minimum of the next three games, further challenging the team as they adjust their lineup.