NFL News

Jamel Dean Earns Full-Time Role, Chris Godwin Takes Strides & More

Jamel Dean Earns Full-Time Role, Chris Godwin Takes Strides & More


Chris Godwin Makes Progress

Buccaneers’ YAC-threat, Chris Godwin, continues to take intermittent strides as he works his way back from a torn ACL suffered in the Week 15 loss to the Saints last season. To begin the week, Godwin still wore the orange, no-contact jersey during Monday’s practice but ran routes without a knee brace on, a notable step forward. “It’s a plus to always see him without a brace, running around, which means his confidence has grown,” Bowles remarked.

Todd Bowles anticipates having all 53 players on the active roster available to play the Cowboys on Sunday in the season opener, presumably that includes Godwin. “Everybody’s trending towards playing Sunday night,” said Bowles. “We feel pretty good right now.” Four Bucs are on the injured reserve list including center Ryan Jensen, guard Aaron Stinnie, outside linebacker Cam Gill and running back Kenjon Barner. Otherwise, the Bucs made it out relatively healthy to begin the 2022 slate.

With the depth at receiver behind Mike Evans, including Russell Gage Jr. and Julio Jones, there is no need to rush Godwin back. The staff continues to exercise caution with Godwin as he returns from a significant knee-injury sustained in December. Regardless of when the highly-anticipated return occurs, Godwin will elevate the Bucs’ aerial attack. He possesses stellar contact balance, adjusting to the ball in flight. Godwin is a nightmare for defensive coordinators, with the ability to stretch the field both vertically and horizontally, beating defenders deep and on intermediate routes.

Rookie Luke Goedeke Earns Full-Time Role

Another starting gig has been finalized on the Bucs’ roster. Bowles officially named rookie Luke Goedeke as the starter at left guard. The first-year player out of Central Michigan will line up next to second-year pro, Robert Hainsey. The Buccaneers drafted Goedeke in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, with the expectation that he would compete with veteran Aaron Stinnie to replace retired Pro Bowler Ali Marpet in the interior. Both vied for the vacant role, including Nick Leverett and Brandon Walton. Stinnie suffered a season-ending knee injury, granting Goedeke with a rare opportunity. At Central Michigan, Goedeke lined up exclusively at right tackle out of necessity, although he is a natural fit at guard. He has impressed with his dedication to film study and football IQ. Goedeke made the challenging transition from the right side of the formation to the left, adjusting…

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