Todd Bowles: No Update On Sidelined Chris Godwin But Week 1 Remains In Play
July 21st, 2025
Out.
Don’t expect to see receiver Chris Godwin practicing in training camp with teammates this week.
And after Joe’s sitdown with Bucs coach Todd Bowles and Ira Kaufman today, Joe would be surprised to see Godwin putting on pads for full training next week.
During an exclusive chat with JoeBucsFan.com, the Bucs’ head coach barely budged off his late-May update on Godwin, who is recovering from surgery to repair a heinous dislocated ankle injury suffered nine months ago.
“Chris is in the same situation as Tristan [Wirfs],” Bowles said. “He’s working his way back. He’s working his way back. He had a procedure. He’s feeling well. He’s in good spirits and he’s working his way back. And, you know, when I see more and he does more, I’ll have more news. But right now there’s no update on him. But Chris, hopefully, will be back very soon. And I can’t tell you when, but he’s in good spirits and he’s movin’ around and he’s getting going and he’s ramping up.”
That sounded familiar.
In May, Bowles was asked if he had any positive news to share on Godwin. Bowles replied, “Not really. He’s working hard. You know, he’s coming around. We’ll see more when we get to training camp. We’re hopeful of Week 1. You know, nothing has really changed, but if anybody can come back and play, it’s going to be Chris.”
Joe asked Bowles today if Godwin had a setback or was just progressing. Bowles said Godwin has been “moving in the right direction.”
When pressed about Week 1 for Godwin, Bowles said that’s still possible. “Right now, yes,” he said.
Joe asked someone else with the Bucs about Godwin and was told to not read too much into him not practicing early in training camp.
As Joe reported, wide receivers have returned from Godwin’s injury in five months. Bucs cornerback Bryce Hall dislocated his ankle in Week 1 last season, complete with a leg break, and he was cleared for football in February and was full-go at June minicamp.
July 21st, 2025 at 11:36 pm
My guess — Godwin plays more games than Wirfs this year.
July 22nd, 2025 at 12:24 am
What does he say about the status of one of the league’s worst pass defenses during his split HC/DC tenure? No one is going to ask that I realize. And he’s not going to tell us anyway even if he really does have “something.”
July 22nd, 2025 at 5:19 am
Godwin might miss the first 4-6 games. Who knows. He should take his time and come back 100%.
July 22nd, 2025 at 6:24 am
My guess- they both start week 1. Godwin jr. might be back before the end of training camp (possible, but unlikely). Feels weird typing Godwin jr.
July 22nd, 2025 at 6:30 am
“”My guess- they both start week 1.””
Yeah maybe that’ll be true in 2026.
July 22nd, 2025 at 6:55 am
Unless there is a setback for either one, neither Godwin jr. or Wirfs has a reported injury that should keep them out to early September.
July 22nd, 2025 at 6:57 am
Sounds ominous. Not good.
July 22nd, 2025 at 7:30 am
Bowles “he’s getting going” – sounds like Chris is doing more than walking. Maybe very short jogs to test the ankle?
July 22nd, 2025 at 8:15 am
We’ll see Wirfs and Godwin in week 5 if we’re lucky. Godwin was a horrible signing. Licht got played.
July 22nd, 2025 at 8:49 am
I think he is in the Ryan Jensen category, sadly.
July 22nd, 2025 at 8:52 am
Extreme caution, we’ll need Chris more after October than we’ll need him in the month of September. However much time it takes for him to get back to feeling his best, allow him to get there.
July 22nd, 2025 at 9:14 am
If there were ever a time for Chris to take it slow, it’s now when we have an abundance of WRs.
Imagine a fresh healthy CG for the second half of the season..
And Jeff , if he never plays another down he is worth the guaranteed money. The Glazers have plenty. Not worried at all about them paying.
July 22nd, 2025 at 9:17 am
todd said absolutely nothing about either injury, but i appreciate the the interview. i wouldnt expect him to say anything about either injury anyway. until someone sees godwin on a field somewhere doing some workout, he isnt close at all.
July 22nd, 2025 at 10:04 am
Never forget how this injury happened too. Saints P.J. Williams low hit. All he got is a slap on the hand while Chris is still rehabbing. That still makes me mad.
Hoping the best of rehab and health for Chris and Tristan.
July 22nd, 2025 at 10:19 am
Good spirits? Yikes. It’s like watching one of those cooking shows and one of the judges starts off by saying that the side dish is really good.
July 22nd, 2025 at 11:09 am
I don’t want to see Godwin until October, get to 100%, get a few weeks of practice and then hit the field in an effort to ramp up for when it counts December for the playoff push when we will really need him
July 22nd, 2025 at 11:27 am
Godwin doesn’t need a training camp. My guess is he’s back for the first home game with Wirfs. No need putting either of them on field turf, which is what we play on the first two games.
July 22nd, 2025 at 11:30 am
Heyjude
It was the Baltimore game, no?
July 22nd, 2025 at 12:50 pm
He’ll be back week 1
You wanna know why?
Cause Jeff is always wrong!