In the second quarter against the Saints, Bucs WR Chris Godwin took a brutal hit directly to the knee that forced him to leave the game. The hit was ugly, creating real cause for concern. But on Monday, the news on Godwin’s injury was about as good as could be expected. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that Godwin suffered an MCL strain, which will cause him to miss the remainder of the regular season. But Godwin should be back for the playoffs, which is critical for the Bucs.

Not only did Godwin take a vicious hit to his knee, but he also landed awkwardly on his neck. Somehow, he was able to walk off on his own power after trainers attended to him.

Godwin was in the middle of another great game that Bucs fans have been accustomed to, leading the team with 43 receiving yards on six receptions. He was having exceptional year as well, finishing his regular season with 98 catches, 1,103 yards and five touchdowns, along with four rushes for 21 yards and a rushing touchdown.

Per a report from Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Bucs have not made a decision yet on injured reserve for Godwin. The hope is to get him back for the playoffs, likely the Wild Card round. With Tampa Bay’s 9-0 loss to New Orleans on Sunday night, the chances of obtaining the No. 1 seed is slim at best.

The Bucs, who once had what many considered the best receiving corps in the league, could be without Mike Evans too. The Bucs star left the Saints game early with a hamstring injury. But they’ll get Antonio Brown back this week from a three-game suspension. Brown has had his own injury problems, dealing with an ankle sprain that’s held him out of action since Week 6. The Bucs have not lost this season in the five games Brown has played. The veteran receiver has 29 catches for 418 yards and four touchdowns this season.

Outside of injuries to Godwin and Evans, Breshad Perriman is currently on the COVID list. That leaves just Brown, Tyler Johnson, Scotty Miller and Jaelon Darden as healthy options this week. The Bucs have received a limited amount of production from the backup group. Look for the Bucs to use more tight ends in their offense with Rob Gronkowski, Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard available.

The Bucs are on the road this week against the Carolina Panthers. They can clinch the NFC South title with a win.