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It was already known that Bucs wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. would not be ready for the start of training camp on Wednesday, having been placed on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list.

What was just revealed is that Godwin endured yet another minor ankle procedure this spring, which was a clean‑out surgery on his surgically repaired left ankle. For a player just coming off a severe dislocated ankle injury in Week 7 of the 2024 season, this latest update is another reminder that even under-the-radar setbacks can ripple into late summer and beyond, just as it has with star left tackle Tristan Wirfs.

What Does Having Another Procedure Done Mean For Chris Godwin Jr.?

At 29, Chris Godwin Jr. remains one of the Bucs most reliable offensive weapons. Before Godwin’s ankle injury in Baltimore last October, he contributed 50 catches, 576 receiving yards, and five touchdowns in just seven games. His absence left a gaping hole opposite Mike Evans, who also went down for a time, forcing Tampa Bay to go more run-heavy offense and lean heavily on unproven wideouts.

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

To head coach Todd Bowles, Godwin’s minor procedure is not seen as a surprise though, but another step on his path to return.

“Chris is in the same situation as Tristan [Wirfs], Bowles said. “He’s working his way back. He had a procedure. He’s feeling well. He’s in good spirits, and he’s working his way back. And, you know, when I see more and he does more, I’ll have more news. But right now, there’s no update on him. But Chris, hopefully, will be back very soon. And I can’t tell you when, but he’s in good spirits and he’s moving around, and he’s getting going, and he’s ramping up.”

That level of ambiguity can be unsettling, especially with Godwin starting camp on the active/PUP list. Under NFL rules, he can join team meetings and workouts but remains on the sideline until formally activated. Crossing the PUP threshold into preseason is manageable, but landing on reserve PUP could force him to miss at least the first four games of the regular season.

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

This year, the Bucs roster includes Ohio State rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and second-year pro Jalen McMillan, and both will see extended run in camp as starters while Godwin is out. Egbuka, a first-round pick, was the talk of mini-camp. While the talent is there, it will take more time for him to build complete trust with quarterback Baker Mayfield, especially at the level Mayfield has with “CG.”

From Godwin’s perspective, maintaining morale and ramping up properly walking a fine line between readiness and cautious build-up is important. If he misses early season snaps, the loss could resonate. Godwin’s sharp route-running consistently moves the chains, and his presence across from Evans stretches defenses.

All eyes will fall on late August. Will Chris Godwin Jr. clear the PUP list and return by Week 1, or will the Bucs risk starting the season without one-third of their projected wide receiver trifecta? If he begins on reserve PUP, Egbuka and McMillan get an early audition, but Godwin’s return midseason will be when the show really begins.