Despite a convincing win in Dallas yesterday the Bucs did experience some loss. Starting left tackle Donovan Smith and wide receiver Chris Godwin each left the game before the conclusion of the first drive of the second half with injuries. Neither player returned to the game.

Bucs LT Donovan Smith – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Smith experienced a forearm injury, while Godwin had a lower leg ailment. The leg injury to Godwin turned out to be a hamstring injury. That proved to create a sense of relief for the team and fans alike that he did not re-injure his surgically repaired knee. The Dallas game represented Godwin’s first game action in his return from the torn ACL that ended his 2021 season prematurely. Today Bucs head coach Todd Bowles provided an update on each player’s diagnosis as well as an initial prognosis.

With regards to Smith, when asked if he had an update Bowles said he experienced a hyperextended elbow. However, he did not have much of an update beyond that. “Not yet. He’s got a hyperextended elbow. It’s a pain tolerance thing. So, he’s pretty sore right now. We’ll monitor him throughout the week.” When presented with the question of whether Donovan could be available next Sunday for the Bucs game against the Saints Bowles was non-committal. “We’ll see how he feels, yeah.”

Bowles expressed some optimism when providing an update on Godwin. “I don’t think it’s as serious as we thought it was. But it all depends on how his treatment goes and how he heals. Hopefully we will have him back sooner than later.”

Both players play integral roles in the Bucs potent offensive attack. Smith anchors the left side of an offensive line that has been dominant over the last two years. However, if he cannot go on Sunday the team will be starting four different players who were not a part of the regular lineup last year. That amount of turnover against a divisional foe could spell trouble for a team that has struggled in recent years against the Saints.

Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Godwin plays the slot receiver role that the Bucs offense runs their passing game through. The Bucs averaged 31.5 points per game prior to the Saints game when Godwin was injured last year. From there on the team averaged just 28 points per game while struggling to find a groove in multiple contests, including the pivotal Rams playoff game that ended their season.

If neither player can go on Sunday, Godwin’s loss stands to be the least impactful. The Bucs went to great lengths to provide depth to their receiver room this offseason, signing Julio Jones and Russell Gage and carrying seven receivers on their active roster. Jones looked especially good against the Cowboys yesterday registering three catches for 69 yards and two carries for 17 yards. He was the recipient of an absolute dime from Brady for a 48-yard gain that set up a Bucs field goal.

Meanwhile, veteran Josh Wells is set to start at left tackle if Smith can’t go. Wells subbed in after Smith left the game in the second quarter last night. He performed well as a run blocker but struggled in pass protection giving up multiple pressures and a sack to Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons. Behind Wells, Fred Johnson, who was inactive for the Dallas game, looks to be the backup tackle for the Bucs.

If Smith can’t go it would mark only the third time in his eight-year career, he will miss a start. Previously he missed a single start in both 2019 and 2020. Meanwhile Godwin has had more issues with injuries limiting his availability in his career. Over the past three seasons Godwin has missed nine games not including the playoffs.