Star Buccaneers Player’s Surprise Return to Practice Sparks Championship Hopes

Ever wonder what it feels like when a team’s helmet-clad warriors start lining up again, ready to storm the gridiron after a long spell on the sidelines? That’s exactly the vibe buzzing around the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — fresh off a solid Week 1 win against the Falcons, the Bucs are heating up, and the air is thick with anticipation. Emeka Egbuka’s breakout with two touchdown grabs had fans buzzing, but the real headline? Chris Godwin, the seasoned wideout who had his last season clipped by a nasty ankle injury, is back practicing. Though he’s not quite 100% yet, this glimpse of Godwin rejoining the fray teases a potential shift in Tampa’s aerial attack that could send defenses scrambling. With Mike Evans anchoring the lineup and Egbuka’s rookie spark, adding Godwin back into the mix feels less like a comeback and more like a full-throttle revival. So, could this be the moment the Buccaneers’ offense truly ignites? Fingers crossed — because this helmet on the bench isn’t just gear; it’s a symbol of the storm brewing just beyond the horizon.

A detailed view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets on the team bench ahead of the NFL game between Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, 2019 in London, England. — (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, starting the season the right way and building some momentum heading into Week 2.

The Bucs’ offense showed flashes of excellence, particularly with Emeka Egbuka’s two touchdown receptions in his NFL debut.

It might get even better, with a veteran wide receiver possibly on his way back sooner rather than later.

“Bucs WR Chris Godwin (headband) practices for the first time since dislocating his ankle last season,” Rick Stroud wrote on X.

#Bucs WR Chris Godwin (headband) practices for the first time since dislocating his ankle last season. pic.twitter.com/hNRfe4CaBI

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) September 11, 2025

Head coach Todd Bowles said Godwin was limited at practice, but it’s encouraging to see that he is back on the field and likely not too far away from game action.

Godwin was on pace for a career year last season before his injury, as he had 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns in seven games.

He showed incredible chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield, and the Bucs will receive an immediate boost whenever he returns.

Adding him to an aerial attack that includes stalwart Mike Evans and an electric rookie like Egbuka gives the Bucs a top three that can compete with anybody in the league.

Fans can only hope that Godwin picks up right where he left off last season.

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