Fibula Injury Will Hold Gowin Out vs. 49ers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin is not expected to play Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers due to a fibula injury, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The injury sidelines Godwin after he appeared in just two games since returning from a dislocated ankle.
Godwin did not participate in the team’s walkthrough on Wednesday, marking the first time he appeared on the injury report due to a fibula issue. Head coach Todd Bowles indicated the absence was related to soreness in the previously injured area. The wide receiver has not practiced all week leading up to the Week 6 matchup at Raymond James Stadium.
The 29-year-old receiver missed the first three games of the 2025 season while recovering from the severe ankle injury he sustained in Week 7 of last season. The injury required multiple surgeries and an extended rehabilitation period, keeping him sidelined throughout the offseason. Godwin returned to action in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles and played again in Week 5 at Seattle.
His production since returning has been limited. Godwin has recorded six receptions for 52 yards on 14 targets across the two games. He played over 80 percent of the offensive snaps in both contests, demonstrating the coaching staff’s confidence in his conditioning despite the modest statistical output.
The fibula issue appears connected to his recovery from the dislocated ankle. Medical experts have noted that hardware from prior surgeries can irritate, and the fibula bone is often subjected to altered stress during the healing process. Godwin was never placed on injured reserve this season, as the team believed he would benefit from practicing during the first four weeks.
What Are the Odds?
The Buccaneers enter Week 6 with a 4-1 record after defeating Seattle 38-35 on the road last Sunday. Tampa Bay and San Francisco are both first-place teams in their respective divisions. The 49ers also carry a 4-1 record into Sunday’s contest, yet are dealing with injuries of their own. This game opened with the Bucs as 3-point favorites, but the line might drop now with news of Godwin’s injury. There’s good value in this game if you like the 49ers. If you’re looking to sign up for a sportsbook for Legalcasino, be sure to research first-time promotional offers. Also, remember to research what sites are available in your area.
Godwin’s absence compounds Tampa Bay’s challenges in its receiving corps. Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans has missed the past two games with a left hamstring strain suffered in Week 3 against the New York Jets. Evans is not expected to return for Sunday’s game and remains week-to-week. Second-year receiver Jalen McMillan continues to recover from a neck injury and is not expected back until Week 10.
With both veteran receivers sidelined, rookie Emeka Egbuka becomes the primary target in the passing game. The first-round draft pick from Ohio State has emerged as a reliable option for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Egbuka has 25 receptions for 445 yards and five touchdowns through five games, ranking fourth in the NFL in receiving yards among all players.
Veteran receiver Sterling Shepard is expected to assume an expanded role alongside Egbuka. Shepard has recorded 17 catches for 191 yards and one touchdown on 24 targets this season. The former New York Giant signed with Tampa Bay in March after reuniting with his college teammate Mayfield.
Tight end Cade Otton should see increased targets as well. The third-year player from Washington has 10 receptions for 115 yards through five games. Otton has primarily focused on blocking duties early this season as the offensive line has dealt with injuries.
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