Chris Godwin is ready to return in Week 12 against the Rams

The The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will get a timely boost for their offense in Week 12 as a wide receiver Chris Godwinalthough it is listed as suspicious, it is return is expected Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The 29-year-old has missed action since Week 5 with a fibula injury and has managed just 52 receiving yards in two games this season. Godwin, a four-time 1,000-yard receiver, spent his entire eight-year career in Tampa Bay, totaling 50 receptions for 576 yards in seven games last season.

Running back Bucky Irving is also nearing a return, though the Buccaneers are holding him out this week. Due to shoulder and foot injuries, the 23-year-old has not played since Week 4, but the team hopes to bounce back next week against the Arizona Cardinals.

As a rookie in 2024, Irving totaled 1,514 yards and eight touchdowns, finishing sixth in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. Through four games this year, he has totaled 430 scrimmage yards, though his efficiency has dipped to 3.3 yards per carry. In his absence, Sean Tucker and Rashad White shared backfield duties, with Tucker rushing for 106 yards against the Buffalo Bills in Week 11.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield led Tampa Bay’s offense, completing 63.5% of his passes for 2,365 yards, 17 touchdowns and three interceptions in 10 games. He is averaging 236.5 passing yards per game and has thrown for 197 yards and one touchdown. Wideout Emeka Egbuka leads the team with 45 receptions for 717 yards and six touchdowns, while White has contributed 376 yards and four rushing touchdowns.

The Buccaneers defense was stout against the run but leaky against the pass. Tyky Smith leads the team with 79 tackles, five tackles for loss (TFL) and two sacks, while Lavonte David has 70 tackles, 2.5 tackles and one interception. SirVocea Dennis added 64 tackles and seven TFLs, and Antoine Winfield Jr. has 48 tackles with five passes defensed. Tampa Bay’s defense often forces opponents into tough game plans, which will be tested by Los Angeles stars Puck Nacu and Davante Adams.

The Buccaneers enter Week 12 at 6-4, atop the NFC South with a slim half-game lead over the Carolina Panthers, having lost three of their last four games. The Rams, meanwhile, have won five straight and are 8-2, leading the NFC West. Sunday Night Football kicks off at 8:20 PM ET.