Which NFL winning streaks are in danger heading into Week 11?
USA TODAY Sports’ Joe Rivera and Chris Bumbaca break down which teams riding a hot streak could be in danger of losing this this weekend.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers dropped to 6-3 following their 28-23 loss to the New England Patriots, marking their second loss in three weeks.
The Buccaneers have been forced to play without some of their key playmakers due to injuries in 2025, and veteran wide receiver Chris Godwin is among those.
Godwin worked his way back from a dislocated ankle that he suffered in October 2024 and returned to the field in Week 4. After playing in two consecutive games, the receiver has failed to practice since he suffered a fibula injury in Week 5.
Baker Mayfield was playing at an MVP-level early on, but Godwin’s absence has clearly been a significant blow to the Buccaneers‘ offense.
Like many teams around the NFL, Tampa Bay is dealing with many injuries across its roster. The team’s all-time leading receiver, Mike Evans, is out indefinitely with a broken collarbone, and Bucky Irving has missed multiple games, forcing ancillary pieces to step up.
With Tampa Bay poised to be an NFC contender, when will Godwin be able to return to the field?
Here’s the latest on the Buccaneers’ veteran:
When will Chris Godwin return?
Godwin has not yet been ruled out for Week 11.
Before Week 10, he had been listed week-to-week with the fibula injury he picked up in Week 5, according to coach Todd Bowles.
The Bucs got some good news on Wednesday, Nov. 12, when Godwin practiced in a limited capacity for the first time since the injury. The practice was the first of the week for Tampa Bay and considered a walkthrough. Therefore, the participation is an estimation. Godwin will likely need some reps at full speed before getting back to game action.
After Wednesday’s practice, Bowles told reporters that Godwin is “making good strides” and “running.”
On Nov. 6, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Godwin could still be out multiple games, as the team will likely hold him out until late November or December.
“They just don’t want to press it with him,” Fowler said. “They’re thinking late November, December with Chris Godwin, so we’ll take it week to week with him.”
According to Fowler’s timeline, Godwin could eye a return as early as Week 13.
The Buccaneers did not place Godwin on injured reserve (IR), which would have required at least four games missed. Tampa Bay had its bye in Week 9, which made some speculate that Week 10 could have been the return date the team had in mind.
Buccaneers WR depth chart
Here’s a look at who the Buccaneers have at wide receiver:
Without the veteran duo of Evans and Godwin, rookie first-rounder Egbuka has led the receivers and is among the league leaders in receiving (ninth in receiving yards with 677 and tied for fourth in receiving TDs with 6).
McMillan remains sidelined with a neck injury, which has forced 10-year vet Shepard to play more alongside rookie seventh-rounder Tez Johson. The latter has performed well over the last three games, catching at least four passes for 42 yards in each, while scoring four touchdowns in his previous four games.
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