From leading the NFL with 43 receptions to being carted off the field – Chris Godwin‘s Monday night turned into every player’s nightmare. Just days after putting up 125 yards against New Orleans, the Buccaneers‘ star receiver lay surrounded by kneeling teammates when there were only 41 seconds left in the game.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fear their dynamic slot receiver suffered a dislocated ankle, as reported by Ari Meirov on October 21, 2024. The lower left leg injury came in the final two minutes of a brutal 31-41 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. This added salt to an already deep wound.

Before this devastating setback, Godwin had rediscovered his peak form. His 511 receiving yards ranked third in the NFL. His five touchdown catches tied him with elite company – Mike Evans, Ja’Marr Chase, George Kittle, and Allen Lazard. The timing feels particularly cruel given his recent renaissance in Tampa’s offense.

The night had already gone sideways for the Bucs’ receiving corps. Mike Evans, who earlier made history with his 100th touchdown catch (becoming just the fifth player to do so with one team), exited in the second quarter with a hamstring injury. Then came Godwin’s injury, leaving Tampa’s passing game in shambles.

The Ravens had already sealed their dominance. They put up over 500 yards of total offense behind Lamar Jackson‘s near-perfect performance – 17 of 22 passes for 281 yards and five TDs. But Godwin’s injury cast a dark shadow over what was already a forgettable night for Tampa Bay.

A season of resilience faces new test

Life had just started falling into place for Godwin. After grieving his father’s death in the offseason, he embraced a return to the slot receiver position. A role that showcased both his receiving talents and blocking prowess in Tampa’s rejuvenated running game.

“I think what I learned over the last four or five years, I’m really comfortable there,” Godwin had shared before the game. “It allows me to be involved in other ways instead of just catching the ball.” His words now carry extra weight. The Buccaneers now face the challenge of replacing his versatile skill set.

The injury halts impressive momentum – Chris Godwin had just dazzled with an 11-catch, 125-yard, two-touchdown performance against New Orleans. That explosive showing highlighted why he’d become such a crucial piece in Tampa’s offensive puzzle.

Now, as Atlanta takes over first place in the NFC South, the Buccaneers must regroup without their model of consistency. The sight of players kneeling around their fallen teammate in those final seconds tells the story. This measures what Godwin means to this team, both on and off the field.