Buccaneers' Arians: 'I would anticipate' Godwin will play vs. Saints

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense could be receiving more firepower Sunday with the return of Chris Godwin.

Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians sounded optimistic that Godwin would be able to play in Sunday's contest against the New Orleans Saints. The receiver missed last week's contest after undergoing surgery on his fractured left index finger but was able to catch footballs during Friday's practice.

"We know what he brings. We'll see how sore it is tomorrow. He caught the ball fine," Arians said Friday, according to The Athletic's Greg Auman. He added: "I would anticipate him probably playing."

Arians said Godwin's pain tolerance will play a role but credited the receiver's toughness.

"It's going to be how much pain can he tolerate. They've got a very nice split brace thing worked out that he wore today," the head coach said, according to Pewter Report's Taylor Jenkins. "Like I said, Chris is tough. He'll be out there."

Godwin has been limited to 279 receiving yards and just four games played due to numerous injuries this season. The 24-year-old is coming off a 2019 campaign that saw him set new career highs in receptions (86) and receiving yards (1,333).

Antonio Brown is also expected to make his season debut Sunday, potentially giving the Buccaneers a loaded receiving group for their Week 9 matchup against New Orleans.

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