The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are planning to activate wide receiver Chris Godwin from the active/PUP list and keep him on the 53-man roster to start the regular season. He would be eligible to practice during the interim, but he’s still expected to be a long shot to play until October.
Godwin is anticipated to begin practicing in some capacity around Week 2, as the team aims to ramp up his workload gradually. An October return would mean he misses at least the first four games of the season, matching the timeline he would have faced if he started the year on IR. The key difference is that he’d remain on the 53-man roster, allowing Tampa Bay to keep him in the mix as he progresses.
This plan is generally positive for Godwin’s long-term timeline, giving him the chance to build familiarity with the offense early on while avoiding the need to burn an IR spot. For fantasy managers, however, it creates a dilemma: keeping Godwin active on the roster means using a valuable spot for a player who isn’t expected to contribute until midseason.
With Jalen McMillan dealing with a neck issue and likely missing time early, the Buccaneers will lean on Mike Evans, rookie first-round pick Emeka Egbuka, and tight end Cade Otton to anchor the passing attack at the outset. Evans should see increased targets as the offense takes shape, while Egbuka and Otton could emerge as secondary options as the season progresses and Godwin returns.
What this means for the team
– The offense could be stalling for a few weeks but has upside once Godwin is back to full speed, thanks to Evans’s veteran presence and Otton’s involvement in the passing game.
– Godwin’s gradual ramp-up should help the unit avoid a sudden drop-off in play, allowing for a smoother reintroduction of a key playmaker.
What this means for fantasy players
– Plan for a delayed contribution from Godwin; consider keeping him stashed if you have flexible roster space or IR slots, but don’t rely on him as a week-one contributor.
– Monitor Evans’ target share early and look for Egbuka and Otton to step up as needed, especially if Godwin’s return timeline slips.
Overall, the Buccaneers are opting for a cautious, long-term approach with Godwin that prioritizes a healthy return and sustained production down the stretch, even if it means a temporary hit to the offense’s early-season output. Godwin’s comeback remains a wait-and-see storyline, but his return could provide a meaningful late-season boost for a team aiming to contend.