In the final moments of the Buccaneers' Monday Night Football defeat, Tampa Bay appeared to have suffered a different type of loss that could have long-term ramifications.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said postgame that the "early indication" is wide receiver Chris Godwin suffered an ankle dislocation in the team's 41-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night.
"He's got an ankle, early indication is that it's dislocated," Bowles told reporters. "It doesn't look good."
NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday morning that Godwin will undergo an MRI exam this morning to determine the extent of the damage to his ankle before having surgery later this week. Godwin is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Bowles on Tuesday confirmed Godwin is scheduled for surgery and will likely miss the remainder of the 2024 season, adding there's an outside chance for his return if Tampa makes a playoff run.
With just about a minute left in the loss, Godwin hauled in a 21-yard reception and was tackled by Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith. Godwin stayed on the ground for a few minutes after the tackle and was eventually carted off with an air cast on his leg.
Bowles did not say whether Godwin was transported to a hospital after the game.
"Our prayers are out for him, 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, you feel bad for him."
Godwin had seven receptions for 65 yards before exiting the game, putting him at 50 catches for 576 yards on the season. He leads the league in receptions through the first seven weeks.
While Godwin's injury was the most notable and likely the most costly, the Buccaneers will also have to contend with the possibility of their other starting wideout Mike Evans also missing time. Evans exited the game in the second quarter after suffering a hamstring injury. Pelissero reported that Evans will undergo on MRI exam on Tuesday.
The Buccaneers, who fell to 4-3 with the loss, next face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Oct. 27.
