As the Bucs open 2024 training camp, star WR Chris Godwin is sidelined with an ankle injury. Get the latest on his Week 1 status and who's stepping up.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The trucks are unpacked, the pads are ready, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers veterans have officially reported for training camp on this Tuesday, July 22nd, marking the unofficial start to the franchise's 50th season. But as the team assembles, a significant piece of the offense is missing from the action. Star wide receiver Chris Godwin will not participate as camp opens, continuing to rehab a dislocated ankle and casting an early shadow of uncertainty over the team's Week 1 preparations.
The Bucs' secondary allowed the fourth-most receiving yards and recorded only seven interceptions in 2024.
While the team is optimistic, Todd Bowles confirmed that Chris Godwin's return for the season opener remains the target, not a guarantee. As he works with trainers, the door swings wide open for first-round rookie Emeka Egbuka to seize a major role in the slot. Egbuka, alongside second-year receiver Jalen McMillan, will get crucial reps with the first-team offense, giving fans an early glimpse into the future of the receiving corps. Even without Godwin, the group of Mike Evans, Egbuka, McMillan, and Tez Johnson is a clear strength, but his veteran presence and reliability will be sorely missed as camp begins.
Godwin isn't the only player on the mend. The team enters camp with a lengthy watchlist of key contributors whose Week 1 status is questionable. The list includes All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee), newly signed rookie corner Benjamin Morrison (hip), lineman Sua Opeta (ACL), safety Christian Izien (pectoral), and tackle Silas Dzansi (knee). Managing the recovery and ramp-up of these critical players will be a top priority for the coaching and training staff over the next six weeks.
Despite the injury concerns, there's plenty of excitement brewing, especially in the defensive backfield. The Bucs officially signed second-round pick Benjamin Morrison to his rookie contract, ensuring all draftees are ready to go. Morrison is expected to immediately challenge incumbents Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum for a starting outside cornerback spot. After a season where the secondary bled yards and struggled to create turnovers, this competition is the central storyline of camp. Coach Bowles is looking for a massive leap in performance, and with Morrison and fellow rookie Jacob Parrish pushing the veterans, the battle for snaps will be fierce from day one.
With camp officially underway, all eyes turn to the practice field tomorrow. The immediate focus will be on how the offense adapts without Godwin and which cornerbacks make an early impression. Navigating these early injury hurdles and forging a new identity in the secondary will define the opening chapter of the Buccaneers' 50th season.
