Tampa Bay Buccaneers Set To Get Key Offensive Piece Back For Week 12
Just when you thought the vibes in Tampa Bay couldn’t get any worse, a glimmer of hope appears on the horizon. The Buccaneers, currently stumbling through the season like a fan who’s had one too many at the tailgate, might be getting their star wide receiver, Chris Godwin, back in the lineup. They could really use him.
After dropping three of their last four games, the Buccaneers are looking less like the swashbuckling pirates of old and more like a crew that’s misplaced its treasure map. The offense has been sputtering, and the team’s grip on the NFC South is starting to feel as slippery as a greased-up football.
But fear not, Bucs fans. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the cavalry might be on its way. Godwin is reportedly expected to suit up for their critical Sunday night showdown against the Los Angeles Rams. How will he look?
The Domino Effect Of Godwin’s Absence
Godwin’s absence has been a gut punch to this offense. After a gruesome dislocated ankle injury cut his 2024 season short, he reaggravated the injury just as he was starting to look like his old self. It’s been a tough break for a player who, when healthy, is one of the most reliable targets in the league.
With Godwin sidelined and Mike Evans also nursing injuries, the pressure has fallen squarely on the shoulders of rookie Emeka Egbuka and Quarterback Baker Mayfield. While Egbuka has been a pleasant surprise, you can only ask a rookie to carry so much of the load. Mayfield has been running for his life, trying to find open receivers while defenses key in on the limited offensive weapons.
What Godwin’s Return Means For the Buccaneers
Getting Godwin back on the field changes everything. He’s not just another body; he’s a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field, make tough catches in traffic, and create separation at all three levels. His established rapport with Mayfield is something you just can’t replicate. It is the kind of connection that turns broken plays into big gains and keeps the chains moving.
Even if he’s on a limited snap count, his presence alone will force the Rams’ defense to adjust. They can no longer double-team Egbuka with impunity. This opens up the field not just for the passing game, but for the running game as well. It’s the kind of ripple effect that can turn a stagnant offense into a scoring machine.
The Buccaneers are desperate to snap their losing streak, and a primetime matchup against a red-hot Rams team is a daunting task. Los Angeles is coming off a statement win and looks like a true contender in the NFC. Walking into that game without one of your best players would be like bringing a knife to a cannon fight.
So, as the Buccaneers prepare for Sunday Night Football, all eyes will be on No. 14. Will his return be the spark that ignites a late-season playoff push? Or is it too little, too late? One thing is for sure: this team’s playoff hopes might just rest on Chris Godwin’s (hopefully) healthy ankle.
