Who Should I Start? Chris Godwin or Rashod Bateman

Wednesday, October 23, 10:12 AM

The NFL's Ian Rapoport reports that Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) will undergo surgery on Wednesday to repair his dislocated ankle. Rapoport noted that tests done leading up to surgery were "as good as they could've been," according to sources. Additionally, there is an outside shot Godwin could return in 2024, depending on how late in the winter the Bucs play. However, the likelihood of such an outcome is not very good. With fellow wideout Mike Evans (hamstring) expected to miss time through Week 11, Tampa Bay is suddenly reeling on offense. It'd not be surprising to see the team seek veteran help, but in the meantime, wide receivers Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer, and Sterling Shepherd will attempt to fill the void. Running back Rachaad White and tight end Cade Otton should also continue to see an uptick in usage.

Thursday, December 19, 1:25 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (foot) did not practice on Thursday due to a foot injury and was wearing a walking boot in the locker room. Bateman popped up on the Week 16 injury report on Wednesday and was listed as limited in practice. Mid-week additions to the injury report are usually bad news, and that's especially the case for Bateman after he was downgraded to a DNP on Thursday. The Ravens receiving corps could be thinned out on Saturday in a tough matchup against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers if both Bateman and Nelson Agholor (concussion) cannot play. Tylan Wallace and Devontez Walker could be thrust into bigger roles alongside Zay Flowers and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely in the passing game. The 25-year-old Bateman is in the midst of a career year in 2024, but fantasy managers could be without him in semifinal matchups this week.