Chris Godwin Jr. and Christian Kirk headline the Week 2 injury absences as the Buccaneers face the Texans on Monday Night Football. (Image via Getty) Chris Godwin Jr. has been one of Tampa Bay’s most reliable weapons over the years. But his lingering foot issue has fans wondering whether he’ll be on the field under the lights. The Buccaneers are set to face the Houston Texans in a primetime clash, and questions around Godwin Jr.’s status are dominating the buildup. Let’s break it down.
Will Chris Godwin Jr. play against the Houston Texans tonight? (Sept. 15)
No, Godwin Jr. will not play against the Texans. The Buccaneers ruled him out on Saturday’s final injury report, citing the lingering foot injury that required a second surgery earlier this year to “tighten up hardware,” according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.Godwin Jr. was limited throughout the week, logging DNP and LP practice designations, before being officially ruled out. His timeline for return is now targeting Week 5, but could extend into Week 6 or Week 7 depending on recovery.With Godwin Jr. sidelined, rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka will continue to see an increased workload alongside Mike Evans. Egbuka broke out in Week 1 with two touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons, and expectations are high for him to fill the No. 2 role again in Houston.
Buccaneers vs. Texans game details and how to watch
Here’s everything you need to know for Monday night’s matchup:Date: Monday, Sept. 15, 2025Time: 7 p.m. ETVenue: NRG Stadium, Houston, TexasTV: ABC/ESPNThis will be the seventh all-time meeting between Tampa Bay and Houston. The Texans lead the series 5-1, including a 39-37 win back in Week 9 of 2023. Both teams enter Week 2 with plenty at stake: Tampa Bay looking to stay perfect at 2-0, and Houston trying to avoid a 0-2 start.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers facing more injury concerns beyond Chris Godwin Jr.
Godwin Jr. isn’t the only key absence for the Buccaneers. Starting left tackle Tristan Wirfs has also been ruled out with a knee injury, leaving Baker Mayfield without two of his most trusted pieces on offense.Right tackle Luke Goedeke is questionable with a foot injury, meaning Tampa Bay could take the field without both starting tackles. Against a Texans defense led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, that’s a serious concern.The Texans aren’t at full strength either, with wideouts Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios ruled out. That leaves Nico Collins as the top option for C.J. Stroud. Both teams will be leaning on depth pieces to carry the load on offense in tonight’s primetime showdown.