Chris Godwin Reportedly Expected to Play vs. Eagles, Bucs WR Could Be on 'Pitch Count'

Despite being without Mike Evans for Sunday's marquee matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are anticipating Chris Godwin will make his season debut.

According to ESPN's Sal Paolantonio (h/t Yahoo Fantasy), the veteran will "will start and play a lot."

This is a significant change from Saturday's reporting from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler (starts at 1:05 mark), who said there is "optimism" within the Bucs organization that Godwin will play, though he could be on a "pitch count" as he works his way back into game shape.

Evans has already been ruled out for Sunday's game due to a hamstring injury suffered in the Bucs' Week 3 win over the New York Jets. There's also an expectation that he could miss multiple games.

The Bucs kept the door open for Godwin to return early in the season when they didn't place him on injured reserve at the end of the preseason. If they had done that, he would have had to sit out at least the first four games.

Godwin hasn't played since Week 7 of the 2024 season. He suffered a dislocated ankle in a Monday night game against the Baltimore Ravens that required surgery.

Despite the injury, the Bucs brought Godwin back on a three-year, $66 million deal in free agency.

Getting Godwin back will help keep the passing game going strong with Evans out for the time being. Emeka Egbuka has made an instant impact as a rookie. He leads the team with 181 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Sterling Shepard had his best game of the season against the Jets with 80 yards on four catches.

Even if Godwin can only play limited snaps right now as he works his way back up to speed, the Buccaneers will be able to utilize his skill set to give Baker Mayfield another reliable target.

The Bucs are hosting the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles in a matchup of two 3-0 teams. A win will give Tampa a 4-0 start for the first time since 2005.