Bucs’ Chris Godwin, Tristan Wirfs to come back off PUP however not play
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers plan to activate huge receiver Chris Godwin and left deal with Tristan Wirfs off the energetic/bodily unable to carry out listing and have them on their 53-man roster to start out the season, however it stays unclear when both star participant can be accessible to play in video games.
Godwin and Wirfs each have been sidelined all through coaching camp and the preseason and have been positioned on the energetic/PUP listing final month.
Coach Todd Bowles indicated Thursday that the Buccaneers need them on the 53-man roster when the season begins so they’re each eligible to observe with the crew. If both participant have been to start out the common season on the PUP listing, he could be required to overlook a minimum of 4 video games and wouldn’t be allowed to take part in crew practices.
Bowles didn’t disclose agency timelines for both Godwin or Wirfs to return to enjoying in video games, nonetheless, saying each gamers wanted to “get in soccer form.”
Sources informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter earlier Thursday that Godwin nonetheless is unlikely to play till October as he continues recovering from the fractured ankle he suffered in Week 7 final season.
Godwin is anticipated to start out practising in Week 2, sources informed Schefter, however the Buccaneers are happy together with his restoration and assume the nine-year veteran is correct the place he must be at the moment.
A number of sources informed ESPN’s Jenna Laine final month that Godwin underwent one other minor process this spring to have his ankle “cleaned out,” however a supply stated it wasn’t a shock and Godwin was “doing properly” on the time.
Wirfs underwent arthroscopic knee surgical procedure final month, and sources informed ESPN on the time that the Bucs anticipated him to overlook the beginning of the common season.
Godwin and Wirfs are eligible to be activated from the energetic/PUP listing at any level throughout coaching camp or the preseason as soon as medically cleared.
Regardless of the damage from final season, the Bucs re-signed Godwin as a free agent earlier this yr on a three-year, $66 million deal that features two seasons totally assured at $44 million.
Tampa Bay is anticipated to start out the season short-handed at huge receiver as a result of restoration timeline for Godwin and the current neck damage to Jalen McMillan, who is anticipated to start out the season on injured reserve and could possibly be sidelined till after the Bucs’ Week 9 bye week.
By way of the primary seven weeks of final yr, Godwin loved arguably the very best season of his profession, main the league with 50 catches. His 576 receiving yards was second most within the league, and his 5 landing catches was tied for third.
Godwin ranks second in franchise historical past — behind solely longtime teammate Mike Evans — with 579 receptions, 7,266 yards and 39 landing catches.
ESPN’s Jenna Laine contributed to this report.