Chris Godwin continues inching towards a possible return for the Buccaneers. When speaking to reporters for the first time since he resumed practicing in August, the Pro Bowl wideout called himself a “game-time decision” regarding Tampa’s season opener against the Cowboys. 
“I don’t have a definitive answer,” Godwin said, via ESPN’s Jenna Laine. “I’m just really grateful to be out there right now.” The 26-year-old began participating in individual drills last month, making incremental progress from the knee injury which ended his season last December. Earlier this week, he shed the knee brace he had been using, opening up the possibility that he could suit up for Week 1.
“I think it’s a really like complicated process,” Godwin cautioned, however. “Obviously, you come off a major injury like this, you never really know how you’re gonna feel. But I’ve been doing really well… I’ve been doing a lot of stuff, and like each day, it’s very different than the day before… I think whenever the time comes for the game, I think everybody will know, but until then, even I’m not sure.”
Laine notes that Godwin has still yet to be cleared for contact in practice, so it would come as little surprise if the team were to remain cautious with him and keep him sidelined. Tampa Bay made a sizeable commitment to Godwin this offseason, signing him to a three-year, $60MM deal to avoid a situation where he played out the 2022 season on the franchise tag. The Buccaneers also have a bevy of other high-end receivers to rely on should Godwin be unable to start the season, including Mike Evans, Julio Jones and Russell Gage.
“[The games] count the same, but we want him well,” head coach Todd Bowles said. “I don’t want him out there before it’s time. If he’s healthy and ready to go and they clear him, and everybody feels he’s ready to go and it’s completely 100%, then you take your shot. Anything less than that, I’d rather him sit.”
Godwin’s status will therefore likely come down to the wire on Sunday. His return will be a welcomed sight for the Buccaneers whenever it happens, but it may not take place for another week or so.