Manager Todd Bowles mentioned after the game that the first indication is that Godwin suffered a dislocated ankle, which could sideline him indefinitely. He will have practiced his extreme sport as a Buccaneer and the 28-year-old is set to become a remote agent in 2025.
Godwin’s upset came on a 21-yard catch-and-run with Tampa Bay trailing by 10, 41-31, which ended up being the final score of the game. The surprise was fatal because the ESPN broadcast did not show a replay of the date Godwin became ill. He was in the midst of a busy year, leading the NFL in receptions (50), second in receiving yards (576) and 0.33 in receiving touchdowns (5). Evans’ six receiving touchdowns are co-leading the NFL along with Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase.
Before the game, manager Todd Bowles defended his decision to keep Godwin, as well as Baker Mayfield and other starters, in the game, supposedly out of reach.
“He’s a player and we’re trying to win the game,” Bowles said. “We were down by 10, so we were still trying to score points and kick another onside kick, and it just happened. With Mike going down we didn’t have as many receivers, so we played with what we had.
“It’s vile that they hurt him and we feel like sinners for that. But he’s a football player and he wanted to be in the game just like Baker and everyone else wanted to be in the game.”
Tampa Bay is also more competitive ahead of the Nov. 5 NFL game points as upcoming quarterback Baker Mayfield rules two goals and I’m sick with serious lower frame injuries. Then the men’s Buccaneers come with nine-year veteran Sterling Shepard, 2023 sixth-round pick Trey Palmer and 2024 third-round rookie Jalen McMillan.
