Bucs’ Chris Godwin available to play tonight at Dallas
ARLINGTON, TEXAS — It has been only eight months since Chris Godwin underwent surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his right knee.
Bucs coach Todd Bowles said Friday that they consider the receiver a game-time decision.
Tonight, Godwin is not listed among the Bucs’ six inactive players for the season opener against the Cowboys, meaning he’ll be available.
Those not active tonight: quarterback Kyle Trask, third-year tailback Ke’Shawn Vaughn, former Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Rudolph, receiver Scotty Miller, reserve offensive lineman Fred Johnson and injured rookie cornerback Zyon McCollum.
Rookie tight ends Cade Otton and Ko Kieft, both expected to be special-teams contributors, got the nod over Rudolph, acquired via free agency shortly before the start of training camp.
Also expected to be available is receiver Russell Gage, who was listed as questionable with a hamstring injury on Friday but was seen running with a trainer on the AT&T Stadium turf hours prior to kickoff.
At minimum, expect Godwin’s snap counts to be limited. He tore his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments on Dec. 20 when he was hit by Saints safety P.J. Williams. He underwent surgery on Jan. 3.
“I think ultimately what it comes down to is just one, how I’m feeling; and then two, the discussions that I have with Coach Bowles and the training staff,” Godwin said Friday. “I think whenever the time comes for the game, I think everybody will know.”
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