Chris Godwin has been one of Tom Brady’s go-to targets over the last two seasons in Tampa Bay. In Week 15 of last season, the Buccaneers were hit with the unfortunate news that Godwin had torn his ACL, leaving him out for the remainder of the year. That was in December of last year, and the wideout has made great progress in his recovery, so much so that he is labeled as a “game-time decision” for their Week 1 matchup with the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. Will Godwin play in Week 1? Here’s what we know.
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Chris Godwin expected to play Week 1 vs. Cowboys but may be on snap count
Chris Godwin is expected to make his return from a torn ACL and play in Tampa Bay’s Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, but he may be “eased back” and be on a snap count, according to multiple reports.
Fantasy Impact
While Godwin’s ability to return in Week 1 is encouraging for fantasy managers, the report that he is going to be on a snap count makes him difficult to trust. The Buccaneers have a crowded wide receiver room this season, with Julio Jones and Russell Gage joining incumbents Godwin and Mike Evans. Evans should continue to play his usual role as Brady’s top option in the passing game, but Jones, Gage, and Godwin may all share snaps and targets, especially while Godwin is working his way back. Jones is the high-upside play in Week 1, while fantasy managers are probably better off avoiding Godwin and Gage while we see how the playing time shakes out.
Related News:
- Chris Godwin questionable for Week 1
- Chris Godwin (knee) remains in non-contact jersey Friday
- Chris Godwin (knee) likely to be game-time decision Week 1 vs. Cowboys
What the Experts are Saying
He’s saying it’s a game-time decision, but despite being listed as a “full participant” in practice, he hasn’t taken contact hits yet. Hard to imagine him playing as a result.
Even if Godwin suits up, data strongly suggests that sitting him in fantasy is the move for now. SMA projects him to hit 85% of his full recovery in mid-October, with 90% coming in mid-November. That probably means limited snap counts starting in the Week 4 to 6 range and non-start-worthy production as he ramps up over that time.
–Deepak Chona
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