Chris Godwin Reportedly Expected to Return to Bucs Practice amid Ankle Injury Rehab

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin is taking another significant step as he works his way back from an ankle injury.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Godwin is expected to practice for the first time this season on a limited basis on Thursday.

After starting training camp on the physically unable to perform list, the Bucs activated Godwin on Aug. 21 as part of his ramp-up process. Keeping him on the PUP list would have meant he had to sit out at least the first four games.

ESPN's Adam Schefter noted at the time that Godwin was still likely to be out of action until October.

While there's still a possibility that Godwin could sit out until October, his return to practice today is at least a good indication that he's moving closer to paying in games.

Godwin last played in Week 7 of the 2024 season when he suffered a dislocated ankle in a game against the Baltimore Ravens. He underwent two different surgical procedures, including one in the spring, to repair the damage.

The Buccaneers have been able to maintain a high level of offensive performance without Godwin. They finished last season with the fourth-most points scored in the NFL. Baker Mayfield set career-highs with 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns.

Tampa opened the 2025 season with a 23-20 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka, the 19th overall pick in this year's draft, led the team with 67 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Adding Godwin to a receiving group that already features Egbuka and Mike Evans can make the Bucs a very dangerous team in the NFC.

Godwin had 576 yards and five touchdowns in seven games last season prior to the injury. His 82.3 yards per game was the second-highest single-season total of his career, trailing only 2019 (95.2).