Sophia
Tampa Bay, FL – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season with a clearer picture of when two of their pivotal stars, wide receiver Chris Godwin and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, are expected to return to action. General Manager Jason Licht provided updates on both players, who were recently activated off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, offering a mix of anticipation and caution for the Super Bowl hopefuls.
The activations, which occurred on August 21, signal progress in their respective recoveries, but their immediate availability will differ significantly.
Godwin’s Gradual Return: A Boost for the Bucs’ Passing Game
Chris Godwin, who suffered a serious ankle injury last October, is projected to miss at least the first month of the 2025 season. Licht indicated that the team is targeting a Week 2 return to practice for the dynamic receiver, provided there are no setbacks in his rehabilitation. This measured approach underscores the importance of Godwin’s long-term health, as he remains a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ aerial attack.
In Godwin’s absence, the Buccaneers’ passing game will heavily lean on perennial 1,000-yard wideout Mike Evans, who consistently delivers elite production. However, fans can also expect to see increased opportunities for promising rookies Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson, particularly in the early weeks of the season. Their development will be crucial as Tampa Bay navigates a challenging opening schedule without one of its primary offensive weapons.
Wirfs’ Potential Early Return: Bolstering the Offensive Line
The news is more optimistic for offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, who is recovering from offseason knee surgery. General Manager Licht expressed a possibility that Wirfs could take the field during the season’s first month. This accelerated timeline is a significant boost for an offensive line tasked with protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes.
In the interim, veteran Charlie Heck is slated to fill in at left tackle. Heck, a six-year veteran, has earned praise from Head Coach Todd Bowles for his performance during the summer. “He learned a lot. He’s gotten a lot of experience,” Bowles remarked this week. “He’s going to go against a Pro Bowl edge rusher every week, including practice. He’s a competitor and he’s tough. He’s got some technical things to work out, [like] he’s got to stay low because of his height. He’s done some very good things for us as well. Right now, going into Week 1, he’ll be our starter. We believe in him and we’ll work with him and we’ll go from there.”
A Challenging Start to the Season
The Buccaneers face a demanding start to their 2025 campaign. They open the regular season on the road against the Atlanta Falcons, a team eager to rebound from last year’s disappointing 8-9 record. Following that, Tampa Bay will travel to Houston to take on the defending two-time AFC South champion Texans, a formidable opponent that will test their early-season mettle.
The schedule doesn’t get any easier as they return home to host the New York Jets, followed by a highly anticipated matchup against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Navigating these early challenges without a fully healthy roster will require depth, adaptability, and strong leadership from Coach Bowles and his staff. The return of key players like Godwin and Wirfs will be critical in the Buccaneers’ quest for another successful season and a deep playoff run. For more details on the Buccaneers’ roster moves, you can visit the official Tampa Bay Buccaneers website.
