The Tampa Bay Buccaneers program activates broad receiver Chris Godwin and left tackles off Tristan Wirfs from an active/physical ineffable list and takes them to their 53-man roster to start the season, but it’s unclear when and when to play any star player.
Godwin and Wirfs were eliminated throughout training camp and preseason and were included in the Active/Pup roster last month.
Coach Todd Bowles said Thursday that the Buccaneers hope they make their 53-man roster at the start of the season, so they both qualify for practice with the team. If either player is going to start the regular season on the puppy roster, he will be asked to miss at least four games and will not allow him to participate in team practice.
Editing selection
2 Related
Bowles did not disclose the corporate schedule for returning to the game since Goldwin or Wilfs, but both players need to “go into football.”
Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter earlier Thursday that Godwin continued to recover from a fractured ankle suffered in Week 7 of last season until October, and it was not possible to play a role until October.
Sources told Schefter that Goldwin was expected to start practicing in Week 2, but the Pirates were happy with his recovery and believed the nine-year veteran should be here at the time.
Several sources told ESPN's Jenna Laine last month that Godwin received another smaller program this spring to “clean up” his ankles, but one source said it was not surprising when Godwin was “doing well” at the time.
Wirfs had arthroscopic knee surgery last month, sources told ESPN that Bucs wanted him to miss the start of the regular season.
Godwin and Wirfs are eligible to be activated from the active/puppy roster anytime in training camp or preseason.
Despite being injured since last season, Bucs re-signed Godwin as a free agent earlier this year with a three-year $66 million deal, including two seasons, totally guaranteed $44 million.
Tampa Bay is expected to run this season’s receiver due to Goldwin’s recovery schedule and a recent neck injury to Jalen McMillan, who is expected to start the reserve team after injury this season and may be eliminated until after the BUCS’s 9th BYE week.
In the first seven weeks of last year, Godwin was arguably the best season of his career, leading the league with 50 catches. His 576 catch yards are second in the league, and his five touchdown catches are tied for third.
Godwin is second in franchise history, behind long-time teammate Mike Evans, with 579 receptions, 7,266 yards and 39 touchdown catches.
ESPN's Jenna Laine contributed to the report.