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Report: Bucs' Chris Godwin Not Believed to Have 'Major' Injury; Mike Evans Ruled Out
December 20, 2021
Tampa Bay Buccaneers receivers Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (knee) exited Sunday's contest against the New Orleans Saints and were each ultimately ruled out at halftime.
The good news for Tampa Bay, though, is that Godwin is not believed to have suffered a "major injury," per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport:
Ian Rapoport @RapSheetThough he was ruled out tonight, the initial belief is that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bucs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bucs</a> WR Chris Godwin did not suffer a major injury, source said. He’ll have tests tomorrow, but based on the early diagnosis, Godwin sprained his MCL. That means he’ll miss time, with an MRI to determine when he’s back.
Godwin has dealt with minor ankle, foot and knee injuries this season but has suited up for every game. He's played at a near-Pro Bowl level as part of the Bucs' explosive offense, recording 98 receptions for 1,103 yards and five touchdowns.
Evans, meanwhile, has 64 catches for 899 yards and 11 touchdowns so far this season.
Losing either Evans or Godwin would be a blow to the Tampa Bay offense. Losing both puts the team in a tight spot, especially considering Antonio Brown is currently serving a three-game suspension for misrepresenting his vaccination status.
With Godwin and Evans out, look for quarterback Tom Brady to rely on tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Cameron Brate more, as well as wideout Scotty Miller. Running back Ronald Jones II could also see an increase in touches, especially since Leonard Fournette was ruled out in the third quarter with a hamstring injury.
