Who Should I Start? Chris Godwin or Khalil Shakir

Thursday, August 28, 4:04 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) will miss the first month of the 2025 season and possibly more, according to general manager Jason Licht. The GM framed Godwin's return as likely October in Week 5 or later. On Wednesday, when asked about a potential timetable for Godwin's return, head coach Todd Bowles said anywhere from Week 2 to Week 5. Licht's statement is obviously much different and paints a much more pessimistic picture for when the 29-year-old pass-catcher will make his season debut after suffering a season-ending dislocated left ankle in Week 7 of 2024 that required surgery. The Bucs signing Godwin to a three-year, $66 million deal in March gave hope that he would be ready for Week 1, but that's just not going to be the case. The stock of rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka continues to rise, as he should be Tampa's WR2 for at least the first month.

Wednesday, August 27, 6:06 PM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) returned to practice on Monday for the first time since suffering a right high-ankle sprain in early August, according to Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News. Shakir was most likely limited on Wednesday, but the fact that he's back on the field this week bodes well for his availability for a Week 1 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Sept. 7. The 25-year-old had a breakout 2024 campaign, catching 76 of 100 targets for 821 yards and four touchdowns in 15 regular-season games (nine starts) in his third year in the league. However, with Buffalo expected to continue to spread the ball around and with second-year wideout Keon Coleman likely to have a bigger role, fantasy managers may not want to expect an improvement for Shakir in 2025. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 45 fantasy wideout.