TAMPA, Fla. — Chris Godwin of the Buccaneers will need surgery for a dislocated left ankle and is likely out for the rest of the season, as announced by coach Todd Bowles on Tuesday, a day after Godwin was carted off during the final minute of the team’s “Monday Night Football” loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
“There’s a possibility he could return if we make a late playoff push,” Bowles said regarding Godwin, who has also suffered some additional structural damage to his ankle. “However, he is going to have surgery and will be sidelined.”
Mike Evans, the other star receiver for the Bucs, is dealing with a “moderate” hamstring strain and is expected to miss “a couple of weeks.” Bowles indicated that Evans probably won’t be back until after the team’s bye in Week 11, leaving them without nearly half of their offensive receiving production for upcoming games against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8, the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9, and the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10.
Evans had come into the game with a previous hamstring strain, missing practice on Thursday and Friday before doing limited work on Saturday. He entered the game without an injury designation, but he aggravated the injury on a 24-yard sprint to the end zone. He immediately fell and grabbed his leg.
“It’s pretty sore. I’m not sure how serious it is, but he will miss some time,” Bowles said.
Godwin’s injury occurred when he was tackled from behind by Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith. Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the league is reviewing the incident to see if it qualifies as a hip-drop tackle, which was made illegal this offseason and could lead to a fine.
The team spent Tuesday exploring both internal and external options for receiver help. Godwin and Evans had entered Week 7 tied for the league lead in touchdown receptions, each with five. Evans caught a sixth on a 25-yard touchdown during their game on Monday night.
“We’re considering options outside the team, but acquiring a true No. 1 receiver would require significant trades, which isn’t feasible for us right now,” Bowles explained. “We’re comfortable with our current players. They may not have the same name recognition as Mike and Chris, but they are capable of contributing. We’ll adjust our strategy, and [Rakim] Jarrett will return to practice this week as we assess him.”
The Bucs did use a third-round draft pick on rookie receiver Jalen McMillan, who had a strong training camp but has had a slow start to the season due to a hamstring injury. He recorded three catches on eight targets for just 15 yards on Monday.
Veteran Sterling Shepard, a former teammate of Mayfield at Oklahoma, caught one pass for 15 yards. Second-year receiver Trey Palmer was active against the Ravens after missing two games due to a concussion, but he only had one catch on three targets. Bowles noted that Palmer is now ready for a “full workload.” Jarrett was designated to return from injured reserve on October 17, which started his 21-day practice window.
While the Bucs previously made big-name signings during the Tom Brady era, like trading for Rob Gronkowski and signing Antonio Brown, Leonard Fournette, and Le’Veon Bell, the team has shifted its focus to drafting and developing its own players in recent free agency periods.
The production from Evans and Godwin has helped Mayfield achieve the best statistical start of his career, with 18 touchdowns in the first seven games, the most of any quarterback in the league, and a completion rate of 70.5%. Bowles acknowledged the temptation to seek outside help but stressed the importance of developing their young talent as they aim for a fourth straight division title and a fifth consecutive playoff berth.
“If there are smart moves available, we’ll always consider them,” Bowles said. “But we believe in nurturing our young receivers and preparing them for game situations. You can’t just bring in high-priced receivers and expect immediate results. We have faith in our young players and their development, and we’re confident in their abilities moving forward.”
In addition to Godwin and Evans, rookie nickelback Tykee Smith left Monday’s game for evaluation due to a possible concussion and did not return.
“He’s in concussion protocol, and with a short week, it’s usually tough to recover in time,” Bowles noted. “We’ll monitor the situation.”
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