Buccaneers put wide receiver Chris Godwin in concussion protocol

Chris Godwin’s status for Week 2 is up in the air.

Tom Brady’s tenure as the quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hasn’t started out as he envisioned. Not only did he throw two interceptions, including a pick-six, in a Week 1 loss, but his much-hyped receiving corps disappointed. In another helping of bad news for TB12, arguably his most dynamic receiving talent is in the concussion protocol.

Head coach Bruce Arians confirmed that wide receiver Chris Godwin has been placed in the protocol despite the fact he didn’t show symptoms on Monday or Tuesday. Arians made the move out of an abundance of caution. His status for Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers is unknown.

Chris Godwin could have a breakout season with Tom Brady at quarterback

Godwin, who was drafted by the Bucs in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Penn State, thrived under Arians, totaling 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns last year despite the presence of Mike Evans on the other side of him and Jameis Winston at quarterback. Godwin tallied six catches for 79 yards in a Week 1 loss against the New Orleans Saints.

Godwin’s injury comes after Evans was rendered almost silent and recorded just one catch due to a hamstring injury during Week 1. The most logical players to step into an increased role on offense are Scotty Miller and Justin Watson, the former of whom was consistently standing out at Buccaneers’ practice.

Godwin’s ability to get vertical and make plays with the ball in his hands could land him a role as the team’s No. 1 wide receiver over Evans. In a Tampa Bay offense that hinges on Brady being able to frequently and reliably throw the ball deep down the field, losing Godwin for any extended period of time could be killer.