Chris Godwin Secrecy Versus Jalen McMillan Status Reports

August 19th, 2025

Chris Godwin celebrates after he caught his first touchdown of the 2024 season.

So Chris Godwin has been injured for 10 months and the Bucs won’t offer a hint of his status — what he’ll miss or when he might return.

Fellow receiver Jalen McMillan was injured Saturday and already Todd Bowles has said he’ll miss games and a credible report has surfaced that it could be half a season.

Why have the Bucs been relatively open about McMillan while Godwin’s status is a state secret?

Joe doesn’t have an answer, and Joe has a feeling the truth would sting.

TampaBay.com reported McMillan could miss at least eight games — hours after Bowles said today that McMillan will miss significant time with a “severely strained neck.”

On Saturday night in Pittsburgh, Bowles was less candid and said McMillan had a back issue — minutes after Joe heard McMillan loudly tell teammates he had “a sprained neck.”

Has Godwin requested secrecy? Will he miss a lot of time after a second ankle surgery and the Bucs don’t want to draw attention to their huge investement in an injured player, albeit a franchise great who is expected to eventually recover?

Silence invites speculation, as ProFootballTalk.com founder and NBC NFL insider Mike Florio often says.

The Godwin mystery has now become a huge key to the Bucs’ season, whereas it was much less so before the McMillan injury. McMillan and Godwin combined for 13 touchdowns last season.

The Bucs are no longer going into this season with strong depth at receiver. After Mike Evans, Emeka Egbuka and Sterling Shepard, there’s a huge dropoff. That wasn’t the plan. And Evans and Shepard are 32 years old.

Joe is very curious to see if the Bucs move on a veteran receiver this month.

97 Responses to “Chris Godwin Secrecy Versus Jalen McMillan Status Reports”

  1. BucsFan81 Says:

    8 games for a strained neck seems a little much that is half the season. Hopefully Godwin gets back by the 4th week of the season. Looks like they may have to rely on the run game a lot which didn’t look so great against the steelers last week.

  2. Ds Says:

    It’s a secret society all we ask is trust loll, it’s very weird we haven’t had any update or intel its like like the Epstein files

  3. Rod Munch Says:

    I think Sterling Shepard is part of the huge drop-off, he was pretty bad down the stretch last year. Hopefully getting some rest this offseason will get him playing better as he was OK to start last year, but if the Bucs are having to rely on Shepard as their #3 for any period of time, they’re in trouble.

  4. LouisFriend Says:

    BucsFan81 Says:

    8 games for a strained neck seems a little much that is half the season.
    *******************

    From the video it looked like every muscle in his neck was torn when he impacted the ground. His face would have touched his chest if it weren’t for his helmet being on. That’s something like a traffic accident rollover without a seatbelt on. If he returns in the middle of the year it’s great news.

  5. Jmarkbuc Says:

    JMac heading to IR

  6. BigBoiBuc Says:

    Preseason game. SMH…

  7. BakerFan Says:

    Rod Munch another clown comment.

  8. Ufcguy Says:

    Are fing kidding me. 8 games. How

  9. Ds Says:

    In don’t know why Bowles had starters in especially
    skill guys. Bucky had like 8 carries

  10. BakerFan Says:

    I for one think McMillan should be traded at some point. I don’t think he has the body to withstand the NFL. I know a lot of people will disagree with me, but time will tell.

  11. SlyPirate Says:

    Not sure what ads y’all see but wow! … that article read: “Chris Godwin, blah, blah (ridiculously hot blonde golfing) JMAC, blah, blah (cute woman doing yoga).”

    I’m sure it was a great article, Joe, but my focus aparently is easily diverted.

  12. Bill in Seminole Says:

    Saw the play where McMillan injured his neck. Do they not teach players how to take a fall? Trained in the martial arts for many years; we were taught that, when falling backwards, tuck your chin into your chest to prevent the snapping motion.

    Hope the young man comes back soon.

  13. Upstate NY BUC Says:

    Amari Cooper Please!!!

  14. BucforLife Says:

    BakerFan…
    Yea I think time will tell that this was a stupid opinion

  15. mars Says:

    To piggyback off Louis, the injury could very likely be a severe strain. If anyone’s been in a car accident, imagine the whiplash you felt then. Now rewatch that play and watch his neck in that play. I did not see a situation where he didn’t walk away from that play injured. Without being dramatic, he is very lucky that injury was not worse.. and it might be without knowing. It will take time and evaluation to determine the full scope…

    Unfortunate sequence of events, but the play was sloppy all around. From the pass to the catch to the defender who for some reason put his body into a tackle that put him on his neck. That’s contact sports.

  16. OR Buc Says:

    Or maybe it’s a secret because he comes back sooner than later? We’ll know if he’s added to PUP or IR soon. Both would constitute the 1st 4 games being missed right? I wonder what the difference in designations mean?

  17. Stanglassman Says:

    That’s worst case scenario. 1-3 months is recovery time for normal people with a severe neck sprain. I think it will be closer to 6-7 weeks. I bet he and CG return the same week.

  18. buc4evr Says:

    @ upstatenybuc. Yeah agreed, if Cooper is still available the Bucs should bring him in for a look.

    I’m thinking with Godwin we may have another Ryan Jensen situation and he is out for the season at the very least. As far as JMac, he may also be out for the season. The Bucs are never going to truly disclose the extent of the injury to a player, but when they go silent, it’s generally really bad.

  19. Jeff Says:

    See ya week 8 JM! See you next year CG!

  20. jimmy Says:

    sucks that jmac is out. he was put in a really bad position in more ways than just the throw on that play. hopefully when he gets back he plays like he did when he came back from injury last year as his second half was great. that could have been a lot worse though.

    are the bucs playing possum with godwin or embarrassed for the amount they are paying considering he isnt coming back this season or maybe not at all? is that it?

    i am glad they signed him, but not if he cant play anymore. seems like something is wrong. with a lack of information coming out it makes people wonder. nobody sees him workout anywhere?

  21. Stpetematt Says:

    Godwin’s secondary surgery that was expected was undoubtedly removing screws/pins. That’s no big deal. At all depends on how comfortable running and cutting he is now. Will probably take a number of weeks to whip him back into shape. It might take some games to get McMillan back but if nothing is broken it’s mostly pain management/flexibility and how fast he heals.

  22. Jeff Says:

    Atlanta 35 Bucs 27. Bucs score late and Atlanta controls the game. Bucs injuries are insurmountable.

  23. Hodad Says:

    I’ve come to not believe a word Bowles says about injuries. What’s a tweak turns into a 4 game pup. A sore back is now a strained neck that might take some time. A credible source, is that from his doctors, or Scott Smith? Didn’t know he was a neurosurgeon. No one tells the truth, most don’t even know what the truth is. Don’t know why the media asks about player injuries, or when they might return. They’ll give you a vague answer that’s between the truth, and a lie. Only thing that’s certain is the pup list, and IR. When those are issued we’ll have some answers. Until then, don’t hold your breath.

  24. BakerFan Says:

    BucforLife Says:
    August 19th, 2025 at 4:24 pm
    BakerFan…
    Yea I think time will tell that this was a stupid opinion

    IF he stays injured more than on the field of play then it won’t be considered so stupid. I just don’t think he will be able to hold up like EE will be able to.

  25. Buddha Says:

    Different theories of preseason being tested. Atlanta has not played a single offensive starter for even one play. They report no injuries.

  26. Robert Says:

    I put McMillan’s injury squarely on Teddy Bridgewater. He hung that young man out to dry. Should have never thrown the ball over the middle that late in the play. Hardly ever works out well

  27. Warren Brooks Lynch Says:

    You guys that are saying 8 games is too much. IT HIS NECK!!! Are you kidding me? Kid was blessed to be rolling around on the ground in pain with his faculties somewhat in tact, instead of potentially being rolled around in a wheelchair the rest of his life. Scary things tend to happen when football players leave their feet. Bridgewater AND JMac were trying to make a play, and no it wasn’t a hosptial ball as JMac didn’t get smacked because he was pursing a pass, he got over ended because he left his feet after beating his man on a route. HUGE difference.

    League rules make it so injuries don’t have to be expound upon until the final cuts are done and over, it’s the rule and our staff is taking advantage of that. We don’t know what Chris’ status is and that’s fine, we’ll get’em back eventually instead of rushing him back like we did in ‘22.

  28. Kayla Says:

    Well, sometimes a season is just not going to work out like you had believed. Injury bugs tend to even out over time. The SB window is open now and for the next two seasons, I wager. This could be ATL’s year to replace us as NFC contenders. They look a lot better and they’re relatively injury free so far.

  29. Ds Says:

    When I saw the play live I thought he was going to be taken away via helicopter it was that bad

  30. LakelandBuc Says:

    Why was it so important for the Bucs starters to be playing in a preseason game, against the Steelers backups? Was it to see how Bridgewater would play with the starters?
    .
    Whatever the reason were, it didn’t make much sense
    There was nothing to gain from it, it made more sense for our starters be playing against Pittsburgh starters. In my opinion, this was an unnecessary injury to a valuable player.

  31. Irishmist Says:

    But Teddy sure throws a pretty ball, don’t he?

  32. Woodman Says:

    Bakerfan if you think JM won’t hold up you probably think same about Tez. When you end your post with “I know alot if people will disagree with me” your opinion is stupid. In fact you sound like a troll.

  33. BucEmUp Says:

    Plenty of FA was out there worth kicking the tires on. Online and DB’s are a different story.

  34. BakerFan Says:

    Woodman Says:
    August 19th, 2025 at 5:52 pm
    Bakerfan if you think JM won’t hold up you probably think same about Tez. When you end your post with “I know alot if people will disagree with me” your opinion is stupid. In fact you sound like a troll.

    My effing opinion, if you disagree that is fine. Time will tell on him. They probably could of made a play for Micah Parsons earlier with JM as trade bait but that boat has sailed now that he is injured and Dallas signed another receiver.

  35. LakelandBuc Says:

    Mike Evans
    Emeka Egbuka
    Sterling Shepard
    Ryan Miller
    Tez Johnson
    Garrett Greene

    I don’t think we need to bring in a veteran

  36. Beeej Says:

    What OTHER injuries has JMac had to warrant the “can’t stay on the field” label?

    Unrelated: has anyone seen Trey Palmer with a doll that resembles JMac with pins sticking out of it?

  37. Fred McNeil Says:

    I don’t know what to say. One more useless game to survive. Then two weeks to get ready for the Falcons. Pass the freaking’ Tums, will ya?

  38. Fred McNeil Says:

    Beeej! LOL! Palmer’s name sure didn’t get mentioned much at all this preseason. Is he injured?

  39. buc4evr Says:

    Evans
    EE
    Shepard
    Palmer
    Miller
    Mystery Guest WR = Amari Cooper? lol.

    Tez just isn’t very good and Greene is faster.

  40. Hodad Says:

    Todd wanted to see his boy Teddy with the starters that’s why they were out there. He hasn’t given a crap about seeing Trask with the starters in his tenure as HC. Teddy had no business starting, and considering Godwin will miss time, it was dumb to risk EE, Bucky, and J Mac. Glad Teddy got his opportunity. Not!

  41. Beeej Says:

    Yes Fred, Palmer has been out a couple weeks+

  42. sethery Says:

    BET ALL THOSE ANALYSTS WHO WERE HATING ON THE EGBUKA PICK FEELING SUPER F***ING STUPID RIGHT NOW.

  43. TDTB Says:

    Would like to see Culp take some WR reps.

  44. Saskbucs Says:

    I agree Lakeland Bucs.

    I think our depth is still fine. Miller has looked good when given opportunity and Tez is a ? With his size but he was productive and could surprise us.

    I agree with Joe as well. Strange. At this point going forward, bring in maximum camp bodies and go the way of the Rams. Starters don’t play preseason.

  45. GoneGator Says:

    Time for Miller and Tez to show up and show out. Tez looked good except when he didnt….And how about we get RW involved in the pass game?

    And I sure hope our running game and O-Line was just experimenting against Pittsburgh – it stunk.

  46. Texas Bucs Fan Says:

    Hey coach, play more of your starters& and watch the injuries stack up. Bowles is not going to lead the Bucs to the promised land. Hopefully, this will be his last season in Tampa. Might be a nice person, but not a successful Super Bowl winning coach. Sorry Fans.

  47. Texas Bucs Fan Says:

    The Bucs will be 9 & 7. Everyone will blame the injuries.

  48. Texas Bucs Fan Says:

    Sorry, 9 & 8

  49. LakelandBuc Says:

    I would take Trey Palmer over Tez

    But Palmer haven’t been practicing
    If Palmer play this weekend against the Bills
    And he’s returning punts and playing WR
    If he looks good, then he’s a keeper

  50. Bojim Says:

    I was thrown on my head just like that in Judo when I was real young. It took me months to feel normal and even after that I stayed away from the mats for a while. I felt his pain.

  51. Nano107 Says:

    Oh stop with the drama
    Acting like sky is falling
    They don’t have secrets lol
    McMillan will be back it’s a neck strain just being cautious
    They would have never sign Godwin if he couldn’t go

  52. Enkd Says:

    2024 Season? Uhhhhh did I fall asleep and go back in time me?

    LFG BUCS!!!!

    Fire them Cannons

  53. Weebs10 Says:

    The drama in these comments always amazes me. Mike, Emeka, and Cade as our top three receiving threats right now? Love that! Buck and Tuck ready to roll? Love that! This offense is loaded.

  54. infomeplease Says:

    We’ll be fine. We still have a run game. That will set up the pass game. The other young receivers will have to show they belong in the NFL.

  55. Iamgusswayze Says:

    I’ve always thought that Godwin was going to miss the first half of the season as well, due to the secrecy and the unknown at this point. I hope they don’t rush him back now that McMillan is hurt. I will be forever grateful if we can play a 60
    Minute exhibition game on Saturday night against the Bills without anymore injuries. I wonder if we get crafty and maybe use white more as a wr while Godwin and McMillan are out, or if light goes out and adds somebody for cheap. At this point, if Evans gets the “hammy” this year over the first 9 games of the season we are going to have the same rough patch as last year 😢 .

  56. Bucs4Ever Says:

    We are suddenly thin at WR

  57. buc4evr Says:

    I agree about Culp and even Durham. They could line up in the slot and create mismatches in the middle. Think Culp and Evans are about the same size. Durham is bigger.

  58. Proudbucsfan Says:

    I said it when we drafted him Jalen McMillan is injury prone. He will miss games every year like he did in college. I really hate to say it but it’s true because he is a good receiver

  59. Dom Says:

    Severe neck strains can take up to 3 months to heal so we shouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t come back until November. I’m just happy for JMac that he didn’t get more severely hurt. That was a nasty fall. Couldn’t help but think the worst when it happened

  60. Delusional Intelligence Says:

    Amari Cooper is not coming here, he won’t take a role lower than WR2. If we want a free agent our best bets will probably be Tyler Boyd or Gabe Davis. Or we roll with who we have.

  61. Aqualung Says:

    Someone should have reciprocated on Roquan Smith before the end of that came. Bastage hip dropped Godwin which is illegal, then they waived his paltry fine. No way that should have stood without response.

    Once again………

  62. Godlovesbucs Says:

    Im surprised to see people calling McMillan injury prone because of this injury. After seeing it, just about anybody would have gotten injured falling like that. It’s not like he got a non contact injury or he is dealing with nagging injuries.

    This injury does not prove that he is injury prone. This was a freak accident with an unfortunate outcome.

  63. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Once again: Paris Warren

    Clearly the Bucs have the same concerns, whether they admit it or not. They drafted his replacement.

  64. Beefsta Says:

    Awesome, Great, F@!%ING FANTASTIC!
    Every damn season its something.

  65. View from 133 Says:

    He’s lucky to be able to walk again. Preventable injury. It’s on the staff and the management of the team. Now the question is will be the same guy? Not just healed, but willing to go up like that again when Baker throws an equally inaccurate ball?

    A fine mess. 8-9 forthcoming.

    We still have no linebackers.

  66. BayouBullet Says:

    I can think of 66000000 reasons why they aren’t being open about Godwin’s return

  67. Ben Says:

    I think it is rediculous Bowles played mcmillan in both games. Its preseason and mcmillan already made the team. He isnt a rookie. He should have only been in 1 game. Now we have 50% of our WR because of stupid coaching.

  68. Mobucs Says:

    Recovery from a neck injury is more than the absence of pain and minimal strength and flexibility. The neck and supporting parts need to be strengthened beyond “normal” functioning to avoid reinjury, which could be catastrophic, given the vulnerable spinal chord and nerves.

  69. BayouBullet Says:

    On a brighter note I have e2 on my fantasy team

  70. Aqualung Says:

    133 and Ben – spot on. No one holds the guy calling the shots accountable. He probably doesn’t even know he’s supposed to call the shots.

  71. Ben Says:

    Mcmillan now a candidate for PUP because of Bowles playing him unnecessarily. Egbuka is a rookie, needs the game time, mcmillan has a season under his belt. With Godwin out, why was Mcmillan even in these games? You have like 10 other receivers trying to make the team. Once again its duncy Bowles screwing this team over.

  72. geno711 Says:

    Receivers take a lot of punishment. Jamar Chase and Justin Jefferson have missed regular season games.

    My gosh — Sterling Shepard has missed in 7 of his 9 seasons and no one ever gave him a shot like that.

    Mike Evans and Davante Adams started the same year — 2014. They are the best two receivers from that year. They have each missed games. Adams more than Mike. Think about the other receivers drafted that year in the first round. Sammy Watkins, Odell Beckham, Brandin Cooks, and Kelvin Benjamin. All missed more games than Mike when they were still playing.

  73. JA Says:

    Never understood the secrecy behind injuries. It makes no sense. Your opponent will always know if a player will be available, so why the melodrama?
    In Godwin’s case, there can only be one possibility.
    The Bucs extended Godwin without a sufficient medical prognosis and they don’t want to be embarrassed by signing a guy who might miss far more time than originally predicted.
    Albeit this is a foolish path as well, as the truth will eventually come out, so why try to hide it?

  74. Capt.Tim Says:

    A neck injury ended Mike Alstots career
    It ended John Lynch’s career with the Bucs.
    In many cases, They can be very dangerous if you try and play again.
    Often career ending.
    I hope he can come back this season.
    More importantly for the young man, I hope he’s able to safely play again.

    With that severe of a neck injury- that isn’t a given

  75. Jeffrey Becker Says:

    how can you trade a guy with a scary neck injury bakerfan lol. some of best receivers ever were slight builds.

  76. Bakerfan Says:

    Beeej Says:
    August 19th, 2025 at 6:21 pm
    What OTHER injuries has JMac had to warrant the “can’t stay on the field” label?

    Last year did not play in 4 games. This year it will be missing 4 most likely with the neck injury. 2 short seasons and we are looking at least 8 games missed. Don’t call that old reliable

  77. Esteban85 Says:

    Ya Bakerfan it was a pretty stupid take.

  78. BucsOnDeck24 Says:

    Why play key players in a preseason game? Let the first few weeks of the season act as the preseason. Less time for meaningless injury exposure. Once a key player goes down in the preseason, you are down to hoping and wishing things work the first few weeks without them anyway.

  79. Esteban85 Says:

    View from 133 have you heard of Lavonte David? Ya know the hall of fame linebacker that anchors our defense? He’s still on the team bro

  80. ChiBuc Says:

    the Bucs don’t want to draw attention to their huge investement in an injured player

    That’ll be a bit of egg on Jason’s face. But hey, let’s see if teddy can get someone killed before preseason is over.

  81. firethecannons Says:

    All I can say is TG he is ok, he will heal and likely faster than expected, hope he exercises his neck muscles while he is out as he will start playing and will be at risk of reinjury with muscle loss. He will have an exercise plan no doubt. He will be back and ready and we will need him then. Maybe Joe can get an interview with him sometime in next couple months.

  82. Warren Brooks Lynch Says:

    Fans pissing and moaning about WR3/4 playing in the 2nd preseason game. It’s either you understand the nature of the game or you don’t and just use it to fuel your disdain for the HC/Training Staff/the game of football itself lol

  83. Proudbucsfan Says:

    Now it’s time for Trey Palmer to step up. We will see if he is capable.

  84. Jeffs grandpa Says:

    My grandson has always been a low iq obese hate filled c word sorry fellas he brings nothing to society just a useless burden

  85. BucU Says:

    This team has gone from SB contender to a non playoff team before they even arrive for the first game that counts. The brittle Buccaneers strike again. There will be a big price to pay for having a collection of injury prone players you must rely on. You’re dreaming if you think this team will still win 10-12 games.

  86. Famu_Rattler Says:

    TDTB Says:
    August 19th, 2025 at 6:44 pm
    Would like to see Culp take some WR reps

    Famu_Rattler Says:
    We Bucs fan having been saying all alone, that Devin Culp could be cross trained to play a similar role as ME13. Now is the time to see if it is possible. Use him in that role in practice this week and in the last pre-season game to get him use to the routes from WR position. The same for Desmond Watson, he wants to prove he is NFL worthy lets use him for a couple of series each quarter and evaluate his strength, endurance, his push into the back field. With these two in the line-up, it could make a big difference with all the injuries. Let’s be PROGRESSIVE, PROACTIVE AND CREATIVE. Let’s show some finishing instinct and ability. Let’s GO BUCS, GO BUCS.

  87. Colonel Angus Says:

    Damn, bunch of f@cking sissies on here. “Seasons over man!” I’m embarrassed for you people.

  88. geno711 Says:

    Bakerfan. Last year McMillan did not “play” in 4 games.
    2 were because of injury. The early 2 games he did not play in were not because of injury but because of lack of consistent production in the 1st three games.

    Sterling Shepard has played in 104 of 168 possible games. 62 percent of games.

  89. AbrahamVCherry Says:

    I see Rachaad White getting more involved in the passing game!!

    More 2 back sets of keep opposing defenses on their toes

  90. jcscycles Says:

    Other teams are dealing with the same issues we are dealing with. And actually the Bucs are better off than many.

    And don’t give the Dixie Chicks the first game by default. The QB Penix is having accuracy issues and seems to have happy feet. Their two new rookie EDGE rushers have their own problems – one cannot stay on the field with injury issues, and the other starts fights at the drop of the hat, and was deemed by some college coaches to be “uncoachable.

    Every season for every team is a balancing act with injuries, and with our talent level we are in good shape with weathering the storm. I think 2-2 or even 3-1 is possible for the first 4 games. It all depends on when Wirfs gets back. Then the back end of the schedule is way easier, and hopefully McMillan and Godwin are back by then, too.

  91. IrishTony Says:

    I honestly believe Ebuka will get over a 1000 yds receiving this year. That would give you 2 1000 yd receivers and an additional rb receiver in White with 400 plus, Otton 500-600 yds, Bucky with 400, plus 1800-2000 rushing yds that’s enough production to put up 28 pts.

  92. Nano107 Says:

    Amari Cooper retired for those clamoring

  93. D-Rok Says:

    I stated previously that I hope it’s just neck “strain/sprain” aka soft tissue, instead a ruptured disk.

    Disks can take a very long time to heal despite perfect treatment and modalities.

    I’ve suffered at least 5 ruptured disks in my spine (3 in my neck) and they can be very tricky to heal, not to mention the accompanying severe pain and neuropathy.

    I’m hoping/praying it’s just a soft tissue injury. Heal up quick, young man, and as always, Go Bucs ! ! !

  94. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Ben, they played Mcmillan because of Bridgewater. He has no experience wwith these players.

    Better than putting Evans out there.

  95. firethecannons Says:

    Godwin was like this after the acl as well, he was late in recovery then and no one knew wtf was going on. It would be my guess he practices on turf somewhere else where no one knows it is him, perhaps with trainer but away from facility.

  96. MelvinJunior Says:

    “Beeej” – he was missed 3-4 full games last season, and it took him a full 3-4 more after that, in order for him to get back to full-strength. Annnnddd… The exact same thing happened during his final, Junior season at Washington. It’s why he fell in the draft, and was still sitting there late in the 3rd, available for us to pick. It’s bad luck. He’s a REAL TOUGH kid. Sometimes, you have to be able to protect players from THEMSELVES. The kid has NO fear, whatsoever. Chris Godwin is the exact same. Plays super HARD all-out, at ALL times, & completely fearless.

  97. Les opyd Says:

    Just a dumb move to play your starters in pre season. They have learned nothing from previous years .always some injurys before we even start. Just plain stupid.

 

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