The wait is over. In a press conference Thursday, Buccaneers’ head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that both Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs will be activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and that both will be part of the initial 53-man roster for the 2025 season.
Both the star receiver and left tackle have spent months rehabbing after serious injuries suffered in 2024, but their return marks a turning point for the Buccaneers , who will be able to count on two of their most decisive pieces on offense.
“They’ve been out for a long time, they need to get back into football shape, but it’s a positive step. We don’t expect them to play anytime soon, but they’ll be ready to get back into rhythm.“ Bowles said.
The Way Back: Injuries And Recovery
- Chris Godwin suffered a dislocated ankle in Week 7 of 2024 against the Ravens. He led the NFL in receptions (50) and first downs (33) , while also ranking second in receiving yards (576). The YAC phenomenon was on track for a historic season before his injury.
- Tristan Wirfs , meanwhile, underwent knee surgery during the offseason. Despite this, in 2024 he cemented himself as one of the best offensive linemen in the entire NFL, achieving something unprecedented: being named AP First Team All-Pro at both tackle positions (right and left) .
His impact is backed up by advanced metrics: According to PFF, Wirfs earned a 93.2 pass-blocking grade (highest among all offensive linemen in the league in 2024), yielding just 1 quarterback hit and 10 pressures in 909 offensive snaps, without allowing a single sack.
An Offensive That Regains Momentum
With the return of both, the Buccaneers recover two fundamental pillars :
- Godwin : The most versatile receiver on the roster, an elite weapon in the slot and reliable insurance for Baker Mayfield on third downs and critical situations.
- Wirfs : The anchor of the offensive line, capable of protecting the blind side and opening lanes for the running game, ensuring stability to an already competitive unit.
However, Bowles was clear: the priority will be for both players to regain their rhythm without rushing. “It’s a matter of time; we don’t have an exact date. They will return when they are fit to compete at the highest level,” he emphasized.
Key Statements From The Press Conference
In addition to the activation of Godwin and Wirfs, Bowles and assistant general manager Rob McCartney addressed several points in Thursday’s press conference:
- On the physical condition of Godwin and Wirfs:
“They need to get into football shape. I don’t expect them to play right away, but they’ll be on the 53-man roster.” - On preseason and workload:
“You can never underwork a team. If you’re fit, it’s work. If you’re not, it feels like overwork. We work here every day.” - On roster battles:
“Every position is up for grabs. What the players do in the final preseason game will be key.“ - On the need to add veteran receivers or OLs:
McCartney was cautious: “We always analyze the market, but it has to be the right player. We’re confident in our current roster.”
Impact On The 53-Player Roster
Confirmation that Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs will be active starting in Week 1 changes the roster configuration:
- At receiver, despite the absence of Jalen McMillan and Godwin’s discomfort, the return of #14 alleviates the urgent need to sign another veteran.
- On the offensive line, Wirfs’ recovery stabilizes the left side, where Charlie Heck had taken the primary snaps in training camp.
This will allow Bowles and Jason Licht to focus on the tightest battles: safeties, inside linebackers and the final WR spots.
Final Log
The return of Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs not only represents a morale boost for the Buccaneers, but also ensures that Baker Mayfield’s offense will have two of its most dominant players back.
The key will be time management: avoiding unnecessary risks in preseason and ensuring both are at 100% for the games that really matter.
In a 2025 season that’s starting with high expectations, the Bucs are celebrating the best possible news: their stars are returning to the ship just in time.
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This article was translated from it’s original form in Spanish to English via META AI.
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