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During all of this offseason and training camp, Bucs fans have wanted to know when they can expect to see Bucs wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. When it comes to returning players, it’s been Tristan Wirfs and Chris Godwin that have been the most captivating storylines for Tampa Bay.
Based from reports on Thursday morning, we have our answer about Chris Godwin Jr.
Update On Chris Godwin Jr.’s Return
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the plan for Chris Godwin Jr. is for the Bucs to activate him off of the PUP list for the beginning of the regular season, so he will be on the 53-man roster. But this will only be to get him ready to start playing in games, not going in them immediately.
Bucs WR Chris Godwin Jr. – Photo by: Scott Reynolds/Pewter Report
Schefter says that Chris Godwin Jr. will begin practicing in Week 2, but that means it could be weeks before Chris Godwin Jr. is seen in a game. Regardless, this is good news for Tampa Bay that he’s on schedule to return and there’s a realistic timeline for when he can start playing on this high powered offense with new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard.
Sources: Buccaneers plan to activate WR Chris Godwin off the Physically Unable to Perform list and have him on their 53-man roster to start the season, but only to begin his ramp-up process for games, not to immediately play in them. Godwin still is unlikely to play until October… pic.twitter.com/zGaaVeTRYc
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2025
Chris Godwin’s 2024 campaign began with a fantastic beginning. Through the first six games, he produced 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns, which was near the top of the league. He was averaging of 4.9 catches and 60.2 yards per game, a. He still demonstrated his explosiveness, especially in Week 2, where he erupted for 117 yards including a 41-yard touchdown, and followed that with a dominant 11-catch, 125-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 6 against the Saints.
Bucs WR Chris Godwin Jr. – Photo by: USA Today
Unfortunately, his season came to a quick end in Week 7 when he suffered a dislocated ankle that required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the year. Despite the shortened season, Godwin led the league in yards after catch with 335 yards, showcasing his why he so important to the Bucs, which Tampa Bay rewarded him with a three-year contract in free agency. Godwin reminded fans of his elite talent before being forced off the field too soon.
How The Bucs Look At Receiver
The Bucs wanted to ease Godwin back into the lineup after coming off of his dislocated ankle injury. They had plenty of depth to buy him all the time he needed at the beginning, but an severe neck strain to Jalen McMillan in the second preseason game makes Godwin’s return more important. McMillan is expected to be out until Tampa Bay’s bye week in Week 9. They don’t want to rush Godwin back, but they also could use his production.
Bucs WR Chris Godwin Jr. and LG Ben Bredeson Photo by: USA Today
Tampa Bay will be fine with a 1-2 punch of Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka. There’s still going to be compeition for who fills out at wide receiver for the rest of the spots. There’s a Sterling Shepard, Ryan Miller, Tez Johnson, Trey Palmer, Jacob Harris, Rakim Jarrett, Kameron Johnson, Garrett Greene and Dennis Houston all competing for two to maybe three positions.
Although everyone has to wait just a little bit more, the fact that there’s legitimate dates for when he is coming back is important to the progress of teh Bucs in their 2025 season that has Super Bowl aspirations. They’ll need Chris Godwin Jr. if they want to reach it.
