Through the first seven weeks of the 2024 NFL season, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was playing at an elite level.

However, during the final moments of the Bucs’ Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Godwin suffered a gruesome injury. Let’s examine what happened to Godwin, how long he’ll be out, and what his absence has meant for Tampa Bay.

What Is Chris Godwin’s Injury?

The Buccaneers were 4-2 and looked like the top team in the NFC South entering Tampa Bay’s Week 7 matchup against the Ravens, and Godwin’s play was a big reason for the team’s success.

Unfortunately, Godwin suffered a devastating ankle injury late in the fourth quarter against Baltimore.

Shortly after, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that Godwin suffered a left ankle dislocation and is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season.

Before suffering the injury, Godwin was on pace for the best season of his NFL career, catching 50 passes for 576 yards and five touchdowns through seven games.

Godwin is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

When Will Godwin Return From Injury?

Godwin is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season. However, if the Bucs can make the playoffs and go on a run, Bowles left open the possibility of the star wide receiver returning in the postseason.

“He will be undergoing surgery very soon and probably be out for the year,” Bowles said in October. “There’s a chance, if we can make a late playoff run, he could be back.”

Godwin told ESPN’s Jenna Laine the same thing when discussing his recovery timeline.

“I mean, I think that’s best-case scenario, right? Like, absolute best case,” Godwin said about a potential postseason return. “For all involved. Everything lines up. That’s what you kind of aim for.”

According to Pro Football Network’s Playoff Predictor, the Bucs currently have a 55.1% chance of making the playoffs and a 50.2% chance of winning the NFC South. Even though the Atlanta Falcons hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Bucs, Atlanta only has a 45.4% chance to make the playoffs and a 42.1% chance to win the NFC South, per PFN’s simulator. The Bucs have the NFL’s easiest remaining schedule, which helps their chances.

It remains to be seen if the Buccaneers can make the playoffs or if Godwin will return, but it’s certainly a possibility.

Since Godwin is entering free agency, the opportunity to return and prove he’s fully healthy before hitting the open market is likely appealing.

How Has Godwin’s Absence Impacted the Buccaneers?

Since Godwin went down in Week 7, the Buccaneers have struggled. Including Tampa Bay’s matchup against the Ravens, the Buccaneers lost four consecutive games.

It doesn’t help that Mike Evans also missed a month after hurting his hamstring against Baltimore, but he returned in Week 12.

Tampa Bay enjoyed a much-needed bye week in Week 11 and then dominated the New York Giants in Week 12, 30-7. Next up, the Bucs will face the Carolina Panthers and look to improve to 6-6.

Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has stepped up in Godwin’s absence, as he has quickly become Baker Mayfield’s favorite target in Tampa Bay. With both Godwin and Evans out during Weeks 8-10, Otton caught 22 passes for 193 yards and three touchdowns. That was the most TDs and second-most receptions among tight ends over that span.

Over the last four games, Bucky Irving (19 receptions for 128 receiving yards) and Rachaad White (17 receptions for 103 receiving yards and two receiving TDs) have also stepped up and become major parts of the Bucs’ passing attack.

If the Bucs can sneak into the playoffs and get Godwin back, they’ll be a tough out that is better than their record indicates given the numerous key players they have lost to injuries throughout this season. After all, Tampa Bay has looked great when healthy and has impressive wins over the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders.