With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers heading into a pivotal Week 17 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, all eyes are on the health of their two cornerstone receivers: Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The stakes couldn’t be much higher-this is a must-win scenario for a Bucs team clinging to playoff hopes, and the availability of their top pass-catchers could swing the outcome.
Let’s start with the good news: Mike Evans appears to be on track to play. The six-time Pro Bowler showed up on Thursday’s injury report, but it was designated as a rest day rather than a new injury concern.
That’s standard protocol for a veteran like Evans, who’s been through the grind of a long season and still remains one of the most dangerous downfield threats in the league. While the team didn’t hold an actual practice due to the holiday, the “did not participate” label is considered an estimation-so for now, there’s no reason to hit the panic button on Evans.
Chris Godwin, however, is a different story. While he, too, was listed as resting, he’s also managing a fibula injury that’s been nagging him.
That’s the kind of lower-body issue that can limit a receiver’s explosiveness and route-running precision-two areas where Godwin typically thrives. What’s more concerning is the trend: after being a limited participant in Wednesday’s estimated session, Godwin was downgraded on Thursday.
That’s usually not a great sign as the week progresses, especially when a player is already dealing with a lingering issue.
The Bucs have leaned heavily on Evans and Godwin throughout the season, even as both have battled through various injuries. Their chemistry with the quarterback, their ability to make contested catches, and their presence in the red zone have all been critical to Tampa Bay’s offensive identity. When both are healthy, the Bucs’ passing game has a different gear-one that can stretch defenses vertically and open up space underneath.
But health has been the wildcard all season. Evans and Godwin have each missed time, and the offense has had to adjust on the fly. Now, with the season hanging in the balance, the Buccaneers are hoping at least one of their stars will be ready to go full-speed in Miami.
If Evans is indeed good to go, that gives Tampa Bay a major weapon to work with. But Godwin’s status remains murky, and it’s something to monitor closely as the week wraps up. The final injury designations on Friday-and how both receivers look during warmups on Sunday-will tell us a lot.
For now, the Bucs are holding their breath. In a game they absolutely need to win, the availability of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin could be the difference between keeping their playoff hopes alive or watching them slip away in South Florida.