Tag: Godwin

Bills’ Dalton Kincaid, Bucs’ Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin ruled out

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Buffalo Bills won’t have tight end Dalton Kincaid for Sunday’s game against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who ruled out wide receiver Chris Godwin and running back Bucky Irving.

Bill coach Sean McDermott confirmed Friday that Kincaid will not suit up for Buffalo (6-3) due to a hamstring injury sustained in last Sunday’s 30-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Kincaid, 26, leads the team with four receiving touchdowns. His 29 catches for 448 receiving yards trail only wide receiver Khalil Shakir (45, 457) for the team lead in both categories.

As for Shakir, McDermott said the wideout is expected to be cleared for contact and turn in a full participation level at Friday’s practice. Shakir, 25, has been limited the previous two days due to ankle and rib injuries.

Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis (shoulder) also has been ruled out.

Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said Irving (foot, shoulder) and Godwin (fibula) are continuing to make progress but are not ready to return for Tampa Bay (6-3).

Irving, 23, has been sidelined since Week 4. He has 237 rushing yards, 193 receiving yards and two touchdown grabs in four games this season.

Godwin, 29, has been limited to two games this season, catching a total of six passes for 52 yards in Weeks 4 and 5.

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) lays on the turf after an injury against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

Injury-ravaged Bucs place WR Mike Evans (collarbone) on IR

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers formally placed receiver Mike Evans on injured reserve Wednesday, two days after he broke a collarbone that will reportedly require surgery later this week.

If the break was clean, Evans could return in eight weeks for a Week 16 game against the Carolina Panthers. It is also possible he could miss the rest of the regular season.

Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday he’s unsure whether Evans will return this season.

“It’s going to be touch and go,” Bowles said. “We’ll see as we get toward the end of the year. It’s definitely going to be the end of the year — hopefully it’s before that — if we get to the playoffs, we go from there. It may be in the playoffs. It depends on how it heals.”

Evans was hurt while trying to corral a deep throw from Baker Mayfield in the Buccaneers’ 24-9 loss to the Detroit Lions on Monday night. He also sustained a concussion.

The injury will end an impressive streak. Evans has put together 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, tying Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the all-time mark.

Evans has 14 catches for 140 yards and one touchdown in four games this season. He also missed three games with a hamstring injury.

Receiver Chris Godwin (fibula) and running back Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) have been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Godwin has played just two games this season, while Irving will miss his fourth straight.

Outside linebacker Haason Reddick (ankle/knee) was injured against the Lions and underwent an MRI exam. Although the severity isn’t yet known, Bowles said Reddick will miss some games.

Among other players who missed practice Wednesday were receiver Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), linebacker Lavonte David (knee/rib) and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (toe). Mayfield (knee) was limited.

Tampa Bay promoted offensive lineman Michael Jordan from the practice squad to fill a roster spot and signed receiver Brandon Johnson to the practice squad.

–Field Level Media

Oct 21, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) is pressured by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Bucs’ Baker Mayfield, Chris Godwin, Tristan Wirfs active vs. Eagles

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, left tackle Tristan Wirfs and wide receiver Chris Godwin are active for Sunday’s game against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles.

Mayfield, who has been dealing with a right biceps injury throughout the week, has started every game this season for the Buccaneers (3-0).

That is not the case for Godwin and Wirfs, who will be making their season debuts. Godwin worked his way back from a fractured ankle sustained in a Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last season, while Wirfs had knee surgery in July.

All three players had been listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.

The return of Godwin should help the Bucs recover from the loss of star receiver Mike Evans, who will be out multiple weeks with a hamstring injury, and tight end Ko Kieft (leg), who was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday.

In addition to Evans and Kieft, defensive lineman C.J. Brewers, safety Christian Izien, cornerback Kindle Vildor and running back Josh Williams are inactive for the Buccaneers.

The Eagles (3-0) listed Sam Howell (third quarterback), wide receiver Xavier Gipson, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, center/guard Drew Kindall and linebacker Azeez Ojulari as inactive.

–Field Level Media

Sep 21, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to pass against the New York Jets in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Report: Bucs’ Baker Mayfield (biceps) expected to play vs. Eagles

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, limited in practice this week, is expected to play on Sunday against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles, ESPN reported Saturday.

And valuable members of his supporting cast likely will be joining him.

Per ESPN, Mayfield (right biceps) will start, with wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) and left tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee) expected to make their season debuts. Both took part in a full practice on Friday. All three had been listed as questionable.

The return of Godwin should help the Bucs recover from the loss of star receiver Mike Evans, who will be out multiple weeks with a hamstring injury, and tight end Ko Kieft (leg), who was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday.

Both the Eagles and Buccaneers will take the field in Tampa on Sunday with 3-0 records, leading the NFC East and South divisions, respectively.

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) runs for a touchdown as Houston Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter (4) defends during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Bucs list WR Emeka Egbuka questionable; Chris Godwin, Tristan Wirfs out vs. Jets

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka practiced with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the first time this week on Friday and is ready to suit up for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.

Head coach Todd Bowles said Egbuka officially will be listed as questionable. Left tackle Tristan Wirfs and wide receiver Chris Godwin are out but both circled Week 4 as a targeted return date.

Egbuka was listed as a non-participant due to hip and groin injuries in the team’s first two practices of the week. The Bucs improved to 2-0 at Houston on Monday night.

The 19th overall pick in April, Egbuka has made an immediate impact for the Buccaneers. He hauled in two touchdown passes in his Week 1 debut and snagged another in Monday’s win. He has eight catches for 96 yards in his first two games.

The Buccaneers receiver room already is thinned. Godwin practiced Friday but he’s working his way back from the dislocated ankle that ended his 2024 season last October. Second-year wide receiver Jalen McMillan is on short-term injured reserve after exploding for 24 receptions and seven TD catches in the final five games last season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 21, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) celebrates a first down against the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Report: Bucs WR Chris Godwin (ankle) returns to practice

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday, NFL Network reported.

It’s a positive sign for the Bucs as he takes the next step in his return from a devastating ankle injury last season.

Reports last week indicated that Godwin is targeting a Week 5 return to the lineup, an Oct. 5 contest at Seattle.

Godwin, 29, was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Aug. 21.

He is recovering from a fractured ankle sustained in a Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last season. He wrapped up 2024 with 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns and signed a three-year, $66 million contract during the offseason to return to Tampa Bay.

Across 111 career games with the Bucs, Godwin has racked up 579 catches for 7,266 yards and 39 TDs, along with two rushing scores. He made the Pro Bowl in 2019 and won a ring in Super Bowl LV.

–Field Level Media

Oct 21, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) celebrates a first down against the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Bucs to activate WR Chris Godwin, LT Tristan Wirfs off PUP list

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers plan to activate wide receiver Chris Godwin and left tackle Tristan Wirfs off the active/physically unable to perform list and place both on the 53-man roster to start the season, coach Todd Bowles said Thursday.

While that’s positive news for both players, Bowles was quick to temper the excitement.

“(Godwin’s) got to get in football shape and everything else, so I wouldn’t expect him to play early on,” Bowles said. “… He’s been out a long time, he’s got to get in football shape. Tristan, the same way. But they’ll be off and we’ll see how it goes going forward.”

Godwin, 29, is coming back from a fractured ankle sustained in Tampa Bay’s Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last season. He wrapped up 2024 with 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns and signed a three-year, $66 million contract to return to Tampa Bay this offseason.

Across 111 career games with the Bucs, Godwin has racked up 579 catches for 7,266 yards and 39 TDs, along with two rushing scores. He made the Pro Bowl in 2019.

Wirfs, 26, also is expected to miss the start of the season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery last month.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time first-team All-Pro, Wirfs started 16 games in 2024 and has started all 79 of his games since Tampa Bay drafted him 13th overall in 2020. Wirfs signed a five-year, $140.6 million extension last August.

–Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (15) makes a catch against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Daryl Porter Jr. (39) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Bucs WR Jalen McMillan to miss weeks with ‘severe’ neck sprain

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan likely will miss several weeks recovering from a neck injury and was ruled out for Tampa Bay’s Week 1 game by head coach Todd Bowles on Tuesday.

“He’s got a severely strained neck,” Bowles said. “He’s going to miss some time.”

McMillan made a big impact after Chris Godwin was lost for the season in October, but will open the season on injured reserve. McMillan had seven touchdown receptions in the final five games as a rookie.

The Tampa Bay Times reported McMillan might be sidelined until midseason, pointing to the bye in Week 9 as a potential return date. McMillan, entering his second season, was hurt Saturday in the preseason game at Pittsburgh when he collided with Steelers cornerback Daryl Porter Jr. McMillan landed on the field helmet-first before his neck and back followed to the ground.

Godwin has not participated in practice and could be on a similar timeline for playing in his first game of 2025.

He returned to the Bucs in free agency in March but continues to rehab from a dislocated ankle in Week 7 of the 2024 season that required surgery. Godwin could be placed on the reserve/PUP list to start the season, which would require him to miss at least the first four games.

“We’re going to need guys to step up with Chris down and then Jalen going down,” Bowles said Tuesday. “A lot of guys have stepped up and we’ve got to see them step up even more. The depth was well-needed and we still have some decisions to make after this game against Buffalo.”

First-round pick Emega Egbuka has turned in a stellar training camp and preseason, including a touchdown reception against the Steelers. He’s likely to start alongside veteran Mike Evans.

–Field Level Media

Feb 3, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin during NFL football practice, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021 in Tampa, Fla. The Buccaneers will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 55. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Zedaker/Handout Photo via Imagn Images

Bucs WR Chris Godwin no guarantee Week 1

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Slot receiver Chris Godwin is on the physically unable to perform list and it’s too early for Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles to declare his status for Week 1 of the regular season in September.

Godwin, 29, is itching to get back on the field. He spent the past nine months working to be ready, rehabbing from a dislocated ankle and additional damage in his lower leg.

He was lost for the season in a 41-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the team’s seventh game of the season while on pace for another 100-catch season. He wrapped up 2024 with 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns.

“He’s coming along great,” Bowles said.

“He’s on track. We’ve got to see what the process is for him to get out on the field and do some things,” Bowles added. “We’ll continue to listen to the doctors and the trainers. He’s in great spirits, as well. Again, I don’t have a timeline on that, but hopefully it’ll be soon.”

The offensive system in Tampa is likely to be largely the same but there is a transition at offensive coordinator for the third consecutive year. Josh Grizzard was promoted from passing game coordinator to replace new Jaguars head coach Liam Coen. Coen was hired before the 2024 season, replacing 2023 offensive coordinator Dave Canales. Canales was hired as head coach of the Carolina Panthers in 2024.

Mike Evans is back as the No. 1 receiver for the Bucs. Rookie Emeka Egbuka and 2024 rookie Jalen McMillan are vying for snaps with Godwin’s return date uncertain.

Grizzard said last week in an interview on WFLA that McMillan was in a “good spot.”

“I think that where (McMillan) left last season and the progress he showed on and off the field, and you could see that carry over into the spring with not having Chris out there and bringing Emeka along and him showing Emeka the ropes — then his ability to just do that and be himself and really just take off where he left off, then I think that would be huge if we were just going to actually circle one,” Grizzard said. “But you know how it is: At the end of the day, it takes all 11. And he’s in a good spot.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) runs in for a touchdown during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Bucs place WR Chris Godwin, LT Tristan Wirfs on PUP list

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Star wide receiver Chris Godwin and left tackle Tristan Wirfs were among the five players the Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed on the active/physically unable to perform list at the outset of training camp Tuesday.

Players who are placed on the PUP list during the summer can be activated from it at any moment. If a player starts the season on the PUP list, he must miss at least four games.

The Buccaneers had previously confirmed Wirfs, 26, had arthroscopic surgery this month on his right knee following an injury last season. The team said he was expected to miss training camp and the preseason.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time first-team All-Pro, Wirfs started 16 games in 2024 and has started all 79 of his games since Tampa Bay drafted him 13th overall in 2020. Wirfs signed a five-year, $140.6 million extension last August.

Godwin, meanwhile, finished the 2024 season on injured reserve due to ankle surgery. He signed a three-year, $66 million contract to return to Tampa Bay this offseason, but he has not yet begun participating in team activities.

In his eighth NFL season (all with Tampa Bay) in 2024, Godwin caught 50 passes for 576 yards and five touchdowns. Across 111 career games, Godwin has racked up 579 catches for 7,266 yards and 39 TDs, along with two rushing scores.

The Bucs also placed offensive tackle Silas Dzansi, guard Sua Opeta and backup quarterback Michael Pratt on the PUP list. Linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. was placed on the active/non-football injury list, and nose tackle Desmond Watson will start camp on the active/non-football illness list.

–Field Level Media