The Bucs received some great news when wide receiver Chris Godwin passed his physical at the start of training camp. That meant that the team’s $20 million receiver didn’t have to start camp on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list.

On Friday, Tampa Bay got some even better news when Godwin returned to practice. He was sporting a knee brace on his surgically repaired right knee.

As the team took the field after having Thursday off, Godwin was in full pads, participating in practice for the first time this season. Godwin was seen doing some sprints during warm-ups and is expected to take part in individual drills. It remains to be seen if Godwin will be included in 11-on-11 drills during Friday’s practice. PewterReport.com will more on Godwin’s return during and after practice.

The team took a cautious approach with Godwin’s return, keeping him out of the first seven practices in camp. Godwin has been recovering from knee surgery on January 6, which repaired his torn ACL. He suffered that knee injury against New Orleans on December 19 and missed the rest of the 2021 season, including the playoffs.

In the offseason, the Bucs used the franchise tag on him for a second year in a row. But Tampa Bay and the two-time 1,000-yard receiver came to terms on a three-year deal worth $60 million in March.

After practice, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles commented on Godwin’s return to action.