The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, are looking to build on their early-season momentum following their hard-fought 23-20 Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. And just when you think the team’s optimism is at its peak, they received some promising news on the injury front. Wide receiver Chris Godwin and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs are set to return to the practice fields.

“Good news for the #Bucs: Star WR Chris Godwin is expected to practice today for the first time and he’ll be limited. Part of his return to play process, but a very good sign,” said NFL Network insider Ian Rapaport via X.

Along with him, another offensive tackle, Tristan Wirfs, who underwent knee surgery in July, also returned to practice.

“We will see how they come along during the week. They have a lot of tests to pass,” said Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles.

Godwin, who suffered a serious ankle injury in Week 7 of the 2024 season, will practice for the first time since the injury. While Rapoport has previously stated that Godwin is likely unavailable until Week 5, his return to the field is a very good sign for the team.

“There’s some light at the end of the tunnel,” Bowles said. “I can’t say exactly when, but hopefully sooner than later. I think he’s closer to sooner than he is later.”

Before his October ankle injury against the Baltimore Ravens, Chris Godwin was on pace for one of his best seasons yet. In just seven games, he caught 50 passes for 576 yards and five touchdowns, his most since 2021. The 29-year-old wide receiver, drafted by the Buccaneers in 2017, signed a three-year, $66 million contract with the team back in March.

What will Chris Godwin’s return mean for the Buccaneers?

After dislocating his ankle against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7 of the 2024 season, Godwin has undergone two surgeries to repair the damage. While there’s a chance he might not be back on the field until October, his presence at practice is a great sign that he’s nearing a return to game action.

The Bucs’ offense continued to thrive without him, finishing last season with the fourth-most points in the NFL. Quarterback Baker Mayfield had a career year with 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns. To start 2025, the team saw a standout performance from rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who led the team with 67 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the Falcons.

With Godwin joining the likes of Egbuka and Mike Evans, this receiving corps could become one of the most dangerous in the NFC. Before the injury, his 82.3 yards per game was the second-highest of his career, trailing only his impressive 2019 season. Now, with a strong comeback, Godwin will be primed to pick up where he left off.