The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are grappling with significant injuries to their receiving corps, as star wide receiver Chris Godwin is scheduled for surgery on a dislocated left ankle. This injury is expected to end his season, according to head coach Todd Bowles, who also noted that Godwin sustained additional structural damage.
While there is a slim chance he could return if the team makes a late playoff push, the focus is firmly on his recovery. Godwin’s injury occurred in the closing moments of a recent “Monday Night Football” game against the Baltimore Ravens, where he was carted off the field after a tackle from behind.
In addition to Godwin’s misfortune, fellow wide receiver Mike Evans has been diagnosed with a moderate hamstring strain that will sideline him for a couple of weeks. Bowles mentioned that Evans is unlikely to return until after the Buccaneers’ Week 11 bye.
This is particularly detrimental for the team, as Evans and Godwin had been tied for the league lead in touchdown receptions, accounting for nearly half of the team’s offensive production. The absence of these two key players will pose a challenge for upcoming matchups against the Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Francisco 49ers.
Evans’ injury occurred during the same game, as he fell while sprinting into the end zone, aggravating a pre-existing hamstring issue. In response to these injuries, the Buccaneers are evaluating potential replacements from both internal and external sources. Bowles recognized the difficulty of finding an adequate replacement without incurring significant costs but expressed confidence in the abilities of the remaining players on the roster.
The Buccaneers have invested in rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan, who had a promising training camp but has been limited in his contributions this season due to injury. Other young players like Sterling Shepard and Trey Palmer will need to step up in the wake of Godwin and Evans’ injuries. Bowles emphasized the importance of developing younger talent instead of pursuing high-cost trades for established veterans, reflecting the franchise’s strategy of focusing on drafting and retaining players.
Additionally, the Buccaneers are facing concerns with other injuries, including rookie nickelback Tykee Smith, who left the Ravens game to be assessed for a concussion and is currently in protocol. With these challenges, the team is looking to adapt and utilize its depth as it aims for a fourth consecutive division title and a potential playoff berth. Bowles remains optimistic about the team’s ability to rely on its younger players while maintaining competitiveness in the league.
