Todd Bowles: Chris Godwin Could Return This Year
October 23rd, 2024
Wishful thinking?
UPDATE: Whatever glimmer of good news can come out of the carnage Monday night of the Bucs losing two of the league’s best receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Todd Bowles delivered it yesterday.
In his day-after presser, Bowles said he thinks Godwin, who will need surgery, could return to the lineup if the Bucs make a push “late” into the playoffs.
What is “late?” Divisional round? NFC title game?
Is that just wishful thinking?
The strength of the Bucs was the passing game. Now, the Bucs must bank on receivers who had yet to secure the No. 3 receiver position and gain the trust of Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen.
And if Coen doesn’t yet trust these guys to be a No. 3 receiver — which he stated less than a week ago — will defenses be worried about them as Nos. 1 and 2?
Joe can easily see opposing defenses stacking the box against the Bucs knowing they are now going to try to ground-and-pound.
Additionally, with the Bucs defense getting ravaged facing any decent offense they confront, how can the Bucs win with a ground-and-pound attack while opponents are scoring 30+ points a game? Good luck with that.
The Bucs simply cannot worry about when or if Godwin can come back, or even Evans. This team needs wins beginning Sunday against the Dixie Chicks.
Staring at the entrance to the Bucs locker room hoping to see Evans and/or Godwin walk through that door without crutches does nothing to help the team win games now.
Trying to outscore opponents torching Bowles’ sieve of a defense by running the ball seems like a headache. Losing Evans and Godwin is the Bucs’ nightmare scenario come to life.
UPDATE: Ian Rapoport of NFL Network twittered this morning that Godwin is having surgery today. Joe knows exactly who Rapoport talks to so Joe fully trusts this intel.
Per Rapoport, tests done on Godwin’s ankle were about as good as could be hoped for with his type of injury. Rapoport’s intel also reinforced what Bowles said yesterday, that there is a glimmer of hope Godwin could return this season.
Unlike Bowles, Rapoport offered no timeline.
#Bucs WR Chris Godwin is having surgery today to repair his dislocated ankle. Going into it, tests were as good as they could've been, sources say.
No one knows how long TB's season will last, but there is even an outside possibility Godwin returns. Not likely. But slight. https://t.co/L6PSA2nXho
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 23, 2024
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:08 am
DeAndre Hopkins to the Cheifs for a 5th round pick. I thought they would have to trade half the team for a wr?
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:11 am
Todd Bowles is delusional. Godwin risked his future, and lost playing on the last year of his contract, with no new deal. Even if he could come back he would’nt take that risk again. Next time Godwin plays for anyone he’ll have a new deal. That won’t be this year. Besides, the chances of the Bucs getting deep in the playoffs without Godwin is a pipe dream. Meaning I’ll be hitting the pipe before watching the Bucs the rest of the way!
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:15 am
Joe needs to change his name to Nancy, due to the abundance of negative articles. The head coach hoping one of his star players comes back from an injury sooner rather than later does not and will not affect our chances of winning. How about an in-depth article on solutions? Yeah, that’s the ticket!
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:15 am
Trade for Cooper Kupp? Elevate Tanner Knue from the practice squad and pray Rakim Jarret is healthy. Focus on running the ball. Bucs ran for 125 against a very good Ravens run D. Running the ball is much less risky than throwing to a squad of unproven WR’s. Bucs have a quality Oline and a stable of good RB’s.
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:15 am
The season is on the line this weekend. If we don’t beat the Falcons, it’s unlikely the Bucs make the playoffs. And, considering how Cousins carved up our defense last time we played, I think it will be an uphill battle. But that’s why they play the game. GO BUCS!
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:26 am
ShowmetheTD’s
BINGO!!!!
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:27 am
our defense is good except for KJ Britt… The Ravens offense will crush anyone
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:28 am
did you really think we were going to beat the Ravens? They are 20-2 vs the NFC
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:28 am
essentially we are going with receivers 4 thru 7 because none really secured the 3rd receiver spot…
and if you bring up a couple more from the PS, then that’s like going with the 8th and 9th…
at this point you might actually want to give antonio brown a call………..yeah i just said it………….AB
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:30 am
this weekend we go with what’s in house…
the only one you can possibly bring in for sunday is kupp since he worked with baker a bit, and coen even more…
his learning curve is potentially lightning quick…
others from other systems……………….not so fast
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:31 am
If it was just a fracture (like Vita) or just a dislocation (like Darby). He’d have a better chance. The fact there was structural damage (not knowing how much) in addition to the dislocation lessens the likelihood that he will make it back… but I won’t doubt Chris & I hope that he makes a full functional recovery and can resume his career without problems or restrictions.
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:34 am
Todd is trying to be positive or maybe they got more news from the surgeon. We just don’t know. Hoping the best for Chris and his health. His health over football is the upmost important factor. The same goes for Mike too.
No to Cupp. Way too much money and he had a high ankle injury. He hasn’t played since Sept. Only played two games this season. Rams are trying to just get rid of him at a too high of a cost. We need other positions; edge rusher, punter, …
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:35 am
Trade a 2nd for Kupp. Trade a 5th for Hopkins.
Were right back in the race… And honestly maybe even better than where we started the year.
Get it done.
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:38 am
@Kenny D-Hop went to the chiefs this morning for a conditional 5th (could be 4th)
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:47 am
I don’t know why everyone is so worried about the defense. The almighty Saviour Kancey is back. Remember he would solve the problems when he finally got back on the field.
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:48 am
Trade Tryon & Britt to Miami for Tyreek.😀 Be interesting to see if they might actually consider somebody like Burden or McMillan (Arizona) 1st round next year instead. Depending on where they’re picking. I doubt it though.
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:49 am
Why no comment on Roquan Smith illegal hip drop tackle on Chris Godwin?
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:52 am
i still think we should have signed van jefferson in the offseason…
and if hopkins went to the chiefs this morning ^^^ for a 5th, then licht was really really really caught sleeping…!
uhhh,,,seriously……you give a 5th for hopkins in a heartbeat – and especially in our current situation…reid and company straight beat us to the punch wtf
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:55 am
Listen we can’t trade for anyone it would cost us half the team. The chiefs hold my beer. Trade a 5th rounder for Hopkins. This is where Bowles needs to stay in his lane. Let the GM do GM work and Bowles needs to go to his office and figure out how to stop teams from putting up 500 plus yards and 30 points per game.
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:00 am
let me get this straight…
“tryon and britt to miami for tyreek”…
and who whispered this trade in your ear…?…jake camarda…?
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:01 am
@Tony:
lets trade for tyler durden and robert paulson !
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:06 am
@Gipper – Great question!!!! illegal hip drop tackle by Roquan Smith ends Chris’ season. Where’s the NFL on this one. And where were the Targeting calls for hits to the head against Otton in the 4th Qtr.
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:08 am
Wishful thinking and a positive vibe to Godwin.
NO WAY IN HELL! Would Godwin be able to play NFL football after that injury and following surgery.
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:12 am
Did Antonio Brown chime in yet? Maybe he is vying to come back to the Bucs too. No trade there and probably could get him cheap for the rest of the season. Of course the contract would need to add more rules and conditions…
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:17 am
I’m more concerned with our inability to cover anyone in the middle of our defense? What the hell are the powers that be going to do about that?
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:18 am
Hey Todd – by the time Chris is ready to come back, you’ll be looking for a new job.
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:20 am
Joe, great news on Godwin I’m sure glad it wasn’t the knee again. But stpetebucfan and Show Me the TDs say we need more discussion about solutions. Defense Rules and Rod Munch agreeing that we should bring Devin back at LB scares me to think our defense is that bad. I have had confidence that we have had a plan to play better defense. But as an old cornerback I have to say I don’t think I’ve ever seen a secondary routinely play as soft a coverage as I have been seeing. I thought we were elite against the run game. Bend don’t break sounded good. 3 points instead of 7 sounded good. Playmakers flying around making big plays sounded good. I hate to say this but we need discussion about solutions. And who really needs discussion about solutions is the players and coaches. My first salvo of this discussion would be that we need to do drop whatever coverage schemes we’re using and do the exact opposite. I don’t care if we have to run bump and run man to man coverage the entire game. It could not be worse than what I have been witnessing this last couple of years. It hurts me that I have to say this.
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:21 am
“rontFour Says:
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:06 am
@Gipper – Great question!!!! illegal hip drop tackle by Roquan Smith ends Chris’ season. Where’s the NFL on this one. And where were the Targeting calls for hits to the head against Otton in the 4th Qtr.”
I was really hoping someone would show some initiative and “accidentally” roll up on Roquan Smith’s knees. That guy was looking to injure someone all night, and he finally bagged Chris.
The guy is in the same (low) class as Vontaze Burfict.
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:22 am
Fire Todd Bowles and promote Liam Coen.
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:28 am
Todd needs to figure out how to stop the other teams from moving the ball up and down the field with out any pushback from his side of the ball. Until he figures out how to do that, his 31st ranked defense in the NFL is not good enough to even get into the playoffs.
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:33 am
Gipper and front four, I did read yesterday that the league is looking into the hip drop tackle on Godwin.
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:40 am
I love the MAJORITY of former athletes and coaches believe Todd was justified keeping Godwin in, and all of the guys that peaked in highschool believe he was wrong.
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:45 am
Shepard should have been in that game more before the end of the game. At least over Palmer and McMillan . The ball moves better when he is in the game. Now they won’t have a choice
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:47 am
Yeah! Chris could have been back this Sunday but thanks to TOAD BOB BOWELS his year is done and his football future is in jeopardy.
Yesterday, I bought a very nice bottle of bourbon to toast with the day this LOSER (.453 record) is relieved of his coaching duties.
Done with this defensive “genius”
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:47 am
WiscoJoe Says: “Fire Todd Bowles and promote Liam Coen.”
Respectfully, no. Coen is just into the job as the Bucs OC. Todd has the locker room, the team respects him, and he has won more than other coaches in the league.
Gipper and FrontFour – Agree about the dirty plays by the Ravens, especially on Chris. Raven-Gate.
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:55 am
Screw Bowles he isn’t gonna get us know where.
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:57 am
Bowles is either delusional or he’s blowing smoke up fans asses. Godwin won’t even be able to walk for 6 weeks, let alone run, let alone play. Godwin is out for the season, prob won’t play at 100% for a year or more.
October 23rd, 2024 at 8:58 am
If the Bucs can still win, it will be very entertaining to watch. Who will be #1,2, and 3… how much will they abandon the passing game… will Otton arise as a go-to star?
October 23rd, 2024 at 9:09 am
The good news is Atlanta is just as bad as we are. We have to do something about the middle of the field. Britt has to stay on the bench. Play dime or some freak 1 LB set. The genius has to find a better way. Every team can see the wide open middle. Coen will make due with what we have. Todd has to actually do some coaching here or step aside for Saleh. Go Bucs. No giving up now.
October 23rd, 2024 at 9:12 am
If Bowles sat Godwin and Godwin missed out on some stats that would have helped him land a new deal, you cry babies would be sobbing about that. Just admit that the closest you’ve ever gotten to a football field is when you drafted your fantasy team. People that have never excelled in sports don’t understand and never will. We love to compete, even when the game has been decided.
October 23rd, 2024 at 9:13 am
If you don’t want to give up picks in a trade, Russell Gage is out t H ere as a free agent.
October 23rd, 2024 at 9:36 am
No way Godwin returns this season.
Bowles is smoking some good Hopium.
October 23rd, 2024 at 9:39 am
Now we get to see how good Coen is.
October 23rd, 2024 at 9:59 am
No way. Godwin needs to heal proper. My view from way over here is Chris showed his capabilities and he is obviously capable of more. Let his agent take the tape that’s there and get him a new deal. Chris needs to take all the time he can to get back to where he was prior to Monday night.
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:09 am
Wasn’t Dak’s injury similar, or was it someone else!? Big difference being a QB, but it did give me some hope that he could at least eventually recover and play again. Seems like his foot was all stuck in a weird position like that, too!? I wouldn’t pay very much attention to anything they’re saying or be all that confident. They’re going to do all they can to throw Chris a bone now (and they should), especially given his contract situation and future.
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:14 am
Gives the team something to rally behind and fight for. But, they’re not going to be able to be just some “ground & pound” team… THIS DEFENSE will not allow for that, unfortunately. THIS DEFENSE is real bad. Shew… They are soooo BAD.
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:25 am
“Tony” – Now, WHY in the HELL would the Dolphins do that… WHY in the HELL would ‘they’ want JTS AND BRITT!? They are going absolutely NOWHERE to begin with, but HOW does friggin’ JTS AND BRITT help THEM!? And, they’re giving up TYREEK HILLLLLL!? For those two guys!? Are you KIDDING ME. PuhhhLEASE. WHERE do these people come from… WHAT WORLD are they living in!? Cause, this is just ridiculous. Friggin Delusional.
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:28 am
Yeah, we should trade JTS and BRITT to the Dolphins for TYREEK HILL… BE REAL, Man.
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:33 am
@AdamFromNY
@MelvinJunior
Seriously? You really thought I was being serious about that? Of course that would never happen. SMH.
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:36 am
MelvinJunior – You comment got me thinking too.
I did a little research and found that QB Kyle Allen had the same injury in 2020. I am at work today and not remote, so I haven’t had the chance to dig deeper to find out how long it took for him to come back. But he was put on IR.
No matter what, everyone heals differently. Chris is a positive and strong-willed guy. He may not return this season, but the Bucs need to sign him to come back next season.
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:37 am
I wonder if a few of these posters are just 12-year olds playing Maddon with “fair trades” toggled OFF and just living in their own world, or something!?
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:38 am
The way this defense is playing it would be pointless for Godwin to come back and risk further injury. Trade lol if licht won’t trade for a pass rusher I’m not sure why he would for a receiver. He loves his undrafted talent, licht thinks he can will win a Super Bowl with inexperience players
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:40 am
Players have to want to come here, especially when it’s veterans as many of the negotiate trade restrictions in their contracts. This idea we should just go get “x” player isn’t that simple. The player needs to want to be here, their salary has to fit in our cap for this year and next. Bucs trade for Kupp, you’re practically guaranteeing Godwin doesn’t return. You’re not paying all those guys who are all showing signs of wear and tear, starters money.
That being said there is an argument for Kupp. Rams are willing to absorb some of his salary to accommodate a deal. Bargain wise, he’s a better value than what Godwin will cost as a free agent next year. Kupp not only knows the system but he plays the slot and has played with Mayfield. Is he worth a 2nd rd pick….doubtful but a 4th with conditions might be fair.
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:42 am
He won’t play this year nor should he.
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:42 am
If I’m Bowles I’m worrying more about what to do about the D. There’s no reason for teams to be eating up your D that much nonstop. Especially if you’re supposed to know so much about D.
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:46 am
Why no mention about how bad Jordan Whitehead looked?
Was he not the man in the box assigned to cover Derrick Henry in the flat?
Was he not the guy who dove upfield when Henry ripped off an 81 yarder?
Was he not the safety over the top on Batemans long TD.
Yet everyone wants to ONLY blame Britt.
Yes our LBs are terrible, but it is hardly just Britt.
Sean Tucker had 5 carries.
Seriously? White had 10.
Baker couldn’t even outrun Roquan Smith to the sideline lmao.
Forced Balls on 2 bad picks. One at the freaking 3 yd line on 2nd down.
One into almost triple coverage.
Nobody asked Baker to play Hero ball.
When he throws a pick his confidence is shot.
Took sacks from the lack of confidence.
He also quit checking it down to RBs.
Kept trying to hit guys downfield.
2 pt try late when you definitely kick an extra point.
Bad coaching.
What else can I say?
Season is over in my mind.
Maybe we get a top 10 draft pick.
Time for college football.
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:46 am
Lets not him hobble onto the field and ruin his career because of bringing him too soon please!
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:49 am
Gipper Says:
October 23rd, 2024 at 7:49 am
Why no comment on Roquan Smith illegal hip drop tackle on Chris Godwin?
Smith saw two instances in the game that might have ticked him off a bit.
At the rate he was traveling McCullem could just as easily hit Henry and knocked him out of bounds yet he went low and to the knees.
Earlier in the game Winfield went low to the back of a Ravens O Lineman.
Don’t want a team going after your Stars don’t go after theirs. Pretty Simple. Players tend to take care of the retribution on the the field no matter what the fine is. No different than a pitcher throwing at the head of player because the opposing pitcher threw at one of theirs.
I imagine Smith with pay his fines and consider things ‘all square’.
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:50 am
“heyjude” – yeah, I can’t remember which QB is was… Just seems like I remember seeing Dak (or someone) holding his leg up in the air with his foot going sideways like that, & it ended up being his ankle. I could’ve just dreamt it tho!? LoL
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:54 am
“BillyBucco” – I’ve been wondering the exact same thing about Whitehead… He has been KILLING ME to watch for the past 2-3 WEEKS. Now, he’s not the only one, but he has been just AWFUL. Miserble. ZERO ball-skills, or even any ‘awareness’ of WHERE HE IS on the field (where the ball is or ANYTHING).
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:58 am
Vita made it back for the end of tbd playoffs in 2020 when everyone thought he was done for the season. I’ll take it – the run and Godwin being back.
October 23rd, 2024 at 10:59 am
There ya go, “Bobby M” – spot-on. 💯
October 23rd, 2024 at 11:13 am
If we wouldn’t even spring a 5th rounder for Hopkins, what makes anyone think we’re going to come off a 2nd for always injured Kupp? Did I mention he’s old too?
October 23rd, 2024 at 11:37 am
“Badbucs” – I wouldn’t give a 4th, if I were the Bucs right now, with THIS DEFENSE. Not worth blowing up your cap to begin with, & just take a look at how MANY games he has missed in the last 3-years. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s MISSED as many as he’s actually PLAYED IN… Over the past THREE SEASONS.
October 23rd, 2024 at 11:38 am
Rod Munch
Vita Via didn’t have his foot dangling at the end of his leg only held on by skin and tendons
October 23rd, 2024 at 12:03 pm
They should trade for a Cooper Kupp. Probably get him for a fourth rounder, Rams are willing to pay part of the salary, and the salary is cheaper than Godwin.
October 23rd, 2024 at 1:10 pm
Agree 100% Melvin. LAR would love to dump him on someone stupid. Bad rental like the ones you get for an hour. Of course we don’t mind throwing away 4th rounders. See punter.
October 23rd, 2024 at 3:52 pm
why not play white in the slot. WE HAVE GOOD QUALITY BACKS