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Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin to undergo ankle surgery this week

Tue Oct 22 1:41pm ET
Field Level Media

Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin is scheduled to undergo ankle surgery this week and sidekick Mike Evans could miss time with a hamstring injury that required an MRI exam on Tuesday.

The day-after feels around One Buc Place in Tampa were dismal due to the injuries, coupled with a 41-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night.

Head coach Todd Bowles defended his decision to have Godwin, the NFL's leader in receptions this season, in the game with the Buccaneers chasing 10 points and 59 seconds remaining.

"We've got our guys. We're playing everybody we've got. It's unfortunate he got hurt, but he's a football player and he wants to be in the game, just like Baker (Mayfield) and everybody else wanted to be in the game," Bowles said.

He didn't appreciate the implied angle that playing a starter, namely Godwin, in the final minute is a failure to protect his key personnel.

"I do protect my players all the time," Bowles said. "That has nothing to do with why we left him in the ballgame. We still had a shot to score some points and win the ballgame. It happens. It happens in football."

Godwin dislocated his ankle according to preliminary tests, Bowles said.

Godwin had seven receptions for 65 yards Monday night. He has 50 catches for 576 yards and five touchdowns in 2024.

Evans left the game in the first half with a hamstring injury resulting from a collision in the end zone. He immediately grabbed the back of his right hamstring after his effort to reel in what would have been a 24-yard touchdown.

Godwin was taken to the locker room on the back of a motorized cart just before the game ended. he 28-year-old had his left ankle caught under Baltimore linebacker Roquan Smith at the end of a 21-yard reception.

"Chris is a hell of a player, and he's a hell of a human being even more so than that," Bowles said. "There's not much you can say. ... Unfortunately they're not gonna cancel the games and we gotta step up and move on, but our hearts are heavy."

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 8

Player Notes
Jaylen Watson Oct 22 12:30pm CT
Jaylen Watson

Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Jaylen Watson (ankle) will have surgery in the coming days to fix a broken fibula-tibia after tests confirmed the serious injury, according to sources. There's an outside chance that Watson could return for a late-season playoff push, but his season could very well be over. In a best-case scenario, the 26-year-old might be able to return if the Chiefs make a third straight trip to the Super Bowl early in 2025. It's a big blow for Kansas City's secondary, as Watson had essentially become an every-snap starter on the outside this year before getting hurt in the Week 7 win over the San Francisco 49ers. The former seventh-rounder in 2022 had recorded 32 tackles (21 solo) and six pass breakups in his six games this year. Expect both Nazeeh Johnson and Joshua Williams to take on bigger roles with Watson now out the rest of the way.

From RotoBaller

Micah Parsons Oct 22 12:20pm CT
Micah Parsons

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday that defensive end Micah Parsons (ankle) and cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) will be game-time decisions on Sunday night in Week 8 for a showdown against the San Francisco 49ers. Parsons has missed the last two games with a high-ankle sprain, while Bland has not yet played in 2024 due to his foot ailment. Bland has been practicing with the team since being designated to return from Injured Reserve a couple weeks ago. Coming off their bye after being blown out by the Detroit Lions in Week 6, the Cowboys defense would be much more appealing as a fantasy unit if both Parsons and Bland are available against a 49ers offense that continues to be decimated by injuries to their key playmakers. While both Parsons and Bland appear to be making progress, there's no guarantee they'll actually play in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Cordarrelle Patterson Oct 22 12:20pm CT
Cordarrelle Patterson

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) is positioning himself to potentially return for the Week 8 contest on Monday night against the visiting New York Giants, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. Patterson missed his third straight game when he was ruled inactive for the Sunday night win over the New York Jets in Week 7, but the 33-year-old veteran appears to have a shot at returning next Monday if he can make progress in practice this week. Even if he's able to return to face the Giants on Monday night, Patterson will be Pittsburgh's RB3, at best, behind Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, who saw more involvement in quarterback Russell Wilson's first start on Sunday night. Patterson has only 16 carries for 92 yards and five catches for 34 yards in his first year with the Steelers through four games played.

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Chris Olave Oct 22 12:10pm CT
Chris Olave

NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill writes that New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) could be back with the team for their Week 8 contest on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. Olave suffered a concussion in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was unable to gain clearance to play in last Thursday night's loss to the Denver Broncos. The 24-year-old former first-rounder is still in the league's concussion protocol, though, so he'll need to improve this week before hoping to gain clearance from an independent neurologist later in the week. Fantasy managers shouldn't consider Olave a lock at all to return against LA. And with Rashid Shaheed (knee) done for the year, the Saints could be forced to use rookies Mason Tipton and Bub Means and Cedrick Wilson Jr. in three-wide sets again this weekend if Olave misses a second straight game.

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Bailey Zappe Oct 22 12:10pm CT
Bailey Zappe

The Cleveland Browns signed quarterback Bailey Zappe off the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad on Tuesday, according to sources. Deshaun Watson (Achilles) is out for the year after tearing his Achilles in the Week 7 loss to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, while Dorian Thompson-Robinson's (finger) status for the Week 8 game against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens is also up in the air. With DTR's status unknown, veteran Jameis Winston could start this Sunday against the Ravens, with Zappe backing him up if Thompson-Robinson is inactive. The 25-year-old Zappe was cut by the New England Patriots in training camp but quickly latched onto the Chiefs' practice squad. The former fourth-rounder could be one more injury away from making another start after he threw for 1,272 yards, six touchdowns and nine picks in 10 games (six starts) in 2023 for New England.

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Joey Bosa Oct 22 11:10am CT
Joey Bosa

Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Joey Bosa (hip) is officially inactive for the Monday night clash against the Arizona Cardinals in the desert. Bosa was unable to practice all week and will miss his third straight game after injuring his hip in the Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 29-year-old oft-injured pass-rusher will now hope to make progress later this week in order to give himself a shot to play again this Sunday for a Week 8 battle against the New Orleans Saints. Despite Bosa's injury, the Chargers' defense has remained stout and they have allowed the fewest points per game (13.2) to this point in the season. Things might be more difficult on Monday without Bosa, though, against mobile quarterback Kyler Murray.

Vita Vea Oct 22 11:10am CT
Vita Vea

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (hamstring), who came into Monday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens with a questionable tag after missing practice on Saturday, is officially active to close out Week 7 action. Vea's presence on Monday will be a huge boost as the Buccaneers' defense looks to slow down NFL rushing leader Derrick Henry and dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson on the ground. The 29-year-old Pro Bowler is on pace to set a new career-high in sacks in 2024 after already registering three in five starts in 2024, adding 12 tackles (eight solo), five tackles for loss, three QB hits and one pass breakup. Despite Vea being active on Monday night, the Bucs' defense/special teams unit should be faded in fantasy against the high-powered Ravens offense.

Mike Evans Oct 22 10:10am CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam on Tuesday morning on his injured right hamstring, and his timeline for a return is to be determined. Meanwhile, Chris Godwin (ankle) needs surgery for a dislocated ankle he suffered in the Monday night loss to the Baltimore Ravens and is expected to miss the rest of the year. Evans was already battling a hamstring injury going into the Week 7 game and appeared to aggravate it as he nearly caught his second touchdown pass of the night midway through the second quarter. The 31-year-old looked to be in a lot of pain and immediately grabbed at his hammy before eventually limping to the locker room and quickly being ruled out for the rest of the game. Fantasy managers should consider Evans very iffy to play in Week 8 against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons until we know more about his injury.

From RotoBaller

Sean Tucker Oct 22 10:00am CT
Sean Tucker

With Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White back from injury in the Monday night loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Sean Tucker worked as the team's clear No. 3 behind White and rookie Bucky Irving. Tucker had five carries (four fewer than Irving and five fewer than White) for 29 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and caught one of his two targets in the passing game for a nine-yard pickup. The 22-year-old second-year back was a popular waiver-wire pickup last week after going for a season-high 14 carries, 136 rushing yards and one touchdown while adding three catches for 56 yards and another score in the Week 6 win over the division-rival New Orleans Saints when White was sidelined. Tucker should remain involved in what has become a three-headed backfield, but it will only be in a complementary role as long as both White and Irving stay healthy.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Oct 22 9:50am CT
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan had only four touches in Monday night's 41-31 loss at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens, but his production should be on the uptick soon after Tampa's top two wideouts -- Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle) -- both went down with injuries. Godwin is expected to miss the rest of the season. McMillan caught three of eight targets for 15 yards receiving and had one carry for a gain of 11 yards. Although the 22-year-old wasn't efficient with his eight looks, which were third on the team, his inevitable role increase should make him a popular waiver-wire target this week, at least in deeper fantasy leagues. Through his first five NFL games, McMillan has caught six of 15 targets for 74 yards and one score. Veteran Sterling Shepard also figures to see a big role boost with both Evans and Godwin hurt.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Oct 22 9:40am CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving had another productive performance in the team's Monday night loss to the Baltimore Ravens despite the return of Rachaad White to this crowded backfield. Irving had nine carries for 23 yards and a touchdown while adding three receptions (three targets) for 54 yards through the air. It's the second straight week the impressive rookie RB has scored on the ground. However, White led the backfield with 10 carries for a team-high 40 rushing yards and also caught six passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns in his first game back from injury. Meanwhile, Sean Tucker also had six touches as the Bucs involved all three backs in the 41-31 loss. White's return surely will cap the 22-year-old Irving's fantasy upside, but as long as he remains involved on the ground and through the air, he'll at least have RB3/flex appeal on a weekly basis.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Oct 22 9:03am CT
Chris Godwin

Updating previous reports, Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin (ankle) is scheduled for surgery this week. He's undergoing an MRI Tuesday, Oct. 22, to survey the damage, but his season is over.

Fantasy Spin: What a bad circumstance. Godwin finally appeared to be back to himself after knee injuries derailed a blossoming career. He led the league in catches, and now it's over. Mike Evans also went down, and it's safe to assume he's probably down a bit. Sterling Shepard will be the elder statesman of a bunch that includes Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer. All three have less than 10 receptions and 100 yards. I would expect Shepard to be the underneath option and a solid PPR addition/flex candidate. McMillan will be the deep threat as he had receptions of 32 and 23 yards in Weeks 1 and 2.

From TheHuddle

Chris Godwin Oct 22 8:20am CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) is set to undergo an MRI before surgery to repair his dislocated ankle on Tuesday, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The 28-year-old is likely to miss the remainder of the 2024 NFL season. Needless to say, this is an unfortunate development for Godwin, who looked to be on track for a career season. Godwin caught 50 passes for 576 yards and five touchdowns before going down with a serious-looking injury in the Monday Night Football loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Mike Evans (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury and exited in the first half, so the Buccaneers could be down to Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard, and Trey Palmer in Week 8. Fantasy managers with Godwin should wait on official work, but he's likely to be droppable considering he likely won't return this year.

From RotoBaller

Justice Hill Oct 22 7:30am CT
Justice Hill

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill found the end zone in the team's 41-31 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday. The 26-year-old finished with five carries for four yards, and three receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown. His fantasy-salvaging touchdown came during a running back screen play where he followed a convoy straight into the end zone. When the game script calls for a lot of air yards, Hill's fantasy value reaches its peak. He'll look to score again in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns.

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Zay Flowers Oct 22 7:30am CT
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (ankle) didn't have much to contribute after getting his ankle rolled up on and having to get it checked out on the sidelines. For a while, Flowers looked like he was in a lot of pain as he quickly hobbled to the sidelines and squirmed in pain. He did return to the game and finished with one reception for 11 yards and one carry for 19 yards. Fantasy managers will want to monitor his status with the ankle because it could have been the reason that he wasn't involved in a big passing game. The Ravens take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 8.

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Mark Andrews Oct 22 7:20am CT
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews wants everyone to put the word out that he's back up. In their Monday night win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Andrews caught all four of his targets for 41 yards and two touchdowns. This marks two consecutive weeks as the TE3 in half-PPR formats. He's also jumped all the way up to TE9 on the season. The Ravens' offense has become more consistent each week while Lamar Jackson has utilized more of his weapons through the air. This could mean better days ahead for Andrews who will try to score again in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns.

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Rashod Bateman Oct 22 7:20am CT
Rashod Bateman

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman continues his great play by breaking the 100-yard mark for the first time since Week 2 of the 2022 season. The former 27th-overall pick finished Monday night's game with four receptions, 121 yards, and a touchdown on four targets. He's already topped his total yardage from last season and now hit a career-high for touchdowns in a season. Bateman flashed his speed during his touchdown play which saw Lamar Jackson drop the ball right in his hands on his way into the end zone. Bateman will look to burn some more defensive backs in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns.

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Derrick Henry Oct 22 7:10am CT
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry not only produced a big game but also kept his scoring streak alive with a late touchdown catch. In the 41-31 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Henry registered 169 yards on 15 carries with one reception for 13 yards and a touchdown on his only target. His longest run of the night was an 81-yard sprint down the sideline where he was caught just before getting into the end zone. Regardless, Henry continues to dominate while he separated himself even further as the RB1 this year. He'll go up against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8.

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Lamar Jackson Oct 22 7:00am CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has now won the QB1 versus QB2 duel two weeks in a row after leading the team to a 41-31 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In this shootout, Jackson finished with 281 yards and five touchdowns while throwing 17-for-22 and adding 52 yards on nine carries. The two-time MVP picked apart Tampa Bay's defense with a variety of short, medium, and deep passes all for touchdowns. Jackson and company will travel to Cleveland for another AFC North matchup in Week 8 looking for their sixth consecutive win.

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Kyler Murray Oct 22 6:30am CT
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray had a strong performance in the team's 17-15 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Murray rushed for 64 yards, including a 44-yard go-ahead touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. Through the air, Murray added 145 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 14 of 25 pass attempts. While those may not be the flashiest passing numbers in the world, Murray took what the defense gave him and was able to make winning plays on the ground. He remains a must-start in fantasy as the Cardinals travel to Miami in Week 8.

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