The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for a potential boost to their lineup as they face a season plagued by injuries. According to a report by Adam Schefter of ESPN, there is a “strong chance” that receiver Chris Godwin and tackle Tristan Wirfs could take the field next Sunday when the Philadelphia Eagles visit Tampa.
Both Godwin and Wirfs are anticipated to practice with the starters this week, with the hope of playing in Week 4. Godwin has been recovering from a dislocated ankle suffered during the fourth quarter of a Monday night game against Baltimore last season. Despite his injury, he signed a three-year, $66 million contract with the Buccaneers in March. Wirfs, on the other hand, underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in July.
Initially, there was a possibility of both players being placed on the reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list; however, the Buccaneers opted to include them on the active roster for Week 1. Their return could not come at a better time, as Tampa Bay aims to rally from a challenging start to the season.
Facing the Eagles is no small feat for the Bucs, especially considering the history between these two teams. They last clashed during the 2023 playoffs, where the Buccaneers dominated with a 32-9 victory over Philadelphia. The Eagles’ subsequent Super Bowl run still held the shadow of a 33-16 regular season defeat to Tampa Bay. Historically, the Buccaneers lead the all-time series against the Eagles, winning 13 of the 24 encounters, including five of the last six since 2015.
As anticipation builds, the Buccaneers hope these key players’ imminent return will fortify the team’s performance against a formidable Eagles squad, setting the stage for another intense matchup.