Chris Godwin could be back on the field this week after being sidelined for nearly a year.
Godwin, who suffered a dislocated ankle last October, was listed as a full participant in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice on Wednesday, per ESPN’s Jenna Laine. Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Timesreported that Godwin will take reps with the starters in practice this week and could play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday “if all goes well.”
Godwin was off to a fantastic start before his injury last season, recording 576 yards and five touchdowns through the first five games. He was on pace to record a career high in receptions, yards and touchdowns.
Godwin suffered the scary ankle injury in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens last October and had surgery on it later that month. He reportedly had a second surgery on his ankle at some point in the spring.
Despite his injury, the Bucs made it clear they wanted Godwin to stay in Tampa Bay over the offseason. Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said after the season that Godwin “means the world” to the franchise.
He received plenty of interest in free agency and said that he even received an offer from the New England Patriots that would have paid him $30 million a year, but he opted to stay put, signing a three-year, $66 million contract with the Bucs.
“I think what it boiled down to, honestly, was family and just staying true to who I am,” he told reporters in March. “I feel like nine out of 10 people in this position wouldn’t have necessarily made this decision that I did, but I don’t do the things I do based on what other people would do. I trust my gut, I stay true to who I am. And one thing I’ve never done is made any decisions solely based on the money.”
Now, Godwin is close to finally getting back on the field.
His potential return couldn’t come at a better time as Tampa Bay prepares for its toughest matchup yet against the Eagles. The Bucs won their first three games, all of which were close, and they’re hoping to stay undefeated this week.
Having Godwin back in the mix would be huge, especially when considering that Mike Evans is currently doubtful with a hamstring injury.
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