Just a few days removed from making a polarizing first-round selection, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers received a relevant update on wide receiver Chris Godwin.
The Bucs, of course, took Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka with the no. 19 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which left some fans confused.
Since then, we've been able to hear a more level-headed reasoning as to why the Egbuka pick was made -- and it makes sense.
But, could Godwin's health have had any impact on the Egbuka decision? As of this moment, not necessarily.
Chris Godwin's injury status is a scary message sent to the NFC South
On behalf of Fox Sports Bucs beat reporter Greg Auman, team general manager Jason Licht had this to say on Godwin's status:
"We're expecting him Week 1."
This, of course, is in reference to the gruesome leg injury Godwin suffered back in Week 7 of last season which saw him get carted off the field.
The former Pro Bowler has not had it easy in recent years, as this wasn't the first major injury he suffered. Back at the end of the 2021 season, Godwin tore his ACL which he was able to fully recover from.
Adversity is nothing new, and by all accounts, Godwin looks like he will be ready to go Week 1, which should terrify the rest of the NFC South.
This Bucs offense will have Godwin, Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan and Egbuka at Baker Mayfield's disposal. In addition, they'll have the rookie sensation Bucky Irving coming into Year 2 alongside the still-speedy Rachaad White.
And, don't forget the reliable Cade Otton at tight end.
Mayfield and the offense are in phenomenal shape with weapons galore. The Egbuka pick may not have been completely necessary, but Tampa Bay stuck to the "best player available" game plan and ripped out the hearts of three division foes in the process.
Godwin is far from done, and specifically in Tampa Bay, as the Bucs showed faith in him by giving him a new deal rather than allowing him to sign elsewhere in free agency this March. He and Evans still have unfinished business, but now, they've got two youngsters as added reinforcements.
These Bucs aren't giving up that division supremacy any time soon, so long as the wide receiver room has anything to say about it.
