UPDATE: Chris Godwin will miss the entire season, regular season AND playoffs, after an MRI revealed a more serious ACL tear.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin is reportedly expected to miss the remainder of the 2021 NFL regular season but could return for the playoffs.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Godwin experienced an MCL sprain during the Bucs' 9-0 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday (December 19) night and has been placed on injured reserve.
"With three games left, Injured Reserve makes sense," Rapoport tweeted. "Godwin should be able to return for the playoffs, which obviously is most important."
Godwin was among three offensive players injured during Sunday's loss, along with fellow wide receiver Mike Evans and running back Leonard Fournette.
Godwin leads the Buccaneers in receptions (98), receiving yards (1,103) and targets (127).
Evans leads all Tampa Bay receivers with 11 touchdown receptions among his 100 targets, 64 receptions, and 899 yards.
Fournette is the Buccaneers' leading rusher with 812 yards among 1,266 all-purpose yards (454 receiving) and 10 total touchdowns (eight rushing, two receiving).
The Buccaneers (10-4) have yet to officially clinch a playoff berth, but are currently first in the NFC South Division standings and third in the NFC playoff picture.
Tampa Bay has two upcoming road matchups against the Carolina Panthers (Dec. 26) and New York Jets (Jan. 2) before playing its final regular season game at home against the Panthers (Jan. 9).
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