Chris Godwin Watch: Bucs WR Unlikely To Return Before Week 5

What They're Saying

Auman: “Talking on 953WDAE, Bucs GM Jason Licht frames Chris Godwin’s return as likely October (Week 5 or later), saying Tristan Wirfs might be a little sooner.”

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

Tampa Bay has remained consistent in their messaging: Godwin (foot) is on schedule in his recovery, but an October return was always the realistic target. Based on Licht’s statements, it sounds like the Bucs are preparing to be without Godwin for the first five weeks of the season, at the very least. 

Perhaps no player in all of fantasy football has climbed the ranks faster than rookie WR Emeka Egbuka.  Once coming off draft boards in the middle of Round 10, Egbuka has now soared into the back of the seventh round in consensus ADP. The hype has been insane surrounding the Ohio State product.

But it is 100% warranted.

With Godwin and Jalen McMillan sidelined, as well as TE Cade Otton suddenly iffy for Week 1, Egbuka should see all the targets he can handle. For reference, Godwin averaged 8.8 targets per game last year before going down in Week 7. Given the state of Tampa Bay’s WR room, Egbuka could absolutely hover around that mark to open his rookie season. 

And once he hits the ground running, don’t expect him to slow down.