Who Should I Start? Sterling Shepard or Chris Godwin

Tuesday, October 28, 4:32 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard has seen an increase in playing time as a result of injuries to Chris Godwin (leg) and Mike Evans (collarbone). Shepherd had his quietest game of the season in the Bucs' blowout 23-3 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 8, catching just one of two targets for eight yards. The veteran wideout had caught multiple balls in every other game up until last week and saw a season high of seven targets in Week 7 against the Lions. Still, the upside isn't very high for the 32-year-old even in a good Tampa Bay offense, as he has provided little value after the catch. Rookies Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson have emerged as the go-to targets at wide receiver for Baker Mayfield, with tight end Cade Otton filling a complementary role. Fantasy managers who are in desperate need of a flex who will run a lot of routes can look to Shepherd as a possible option.

Wednesday, November 5, 11:21 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) is not expected to practice on Wednesday, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Godwin missed the team's final three games before their Week 9 bye due to a leg injury, and it appears he may not be ready to return in Week 10 against the New England Patriots. It's beginning to look like somewhat of a lost season due to injury for Godwin, who also missed Tampa Bay's first three games of 2025 while recovering from the dislocated ankle that ended his 2024 season. In the two games he's played this season, Godwin has recorded six catches for 52 yards on 14 targets. If he remains sidelined in Week 10, Buccaneers rookie wideout Tez Johnson could maintain a sizable role in the team's offense. Johnson has recorded 10 catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns on 18 targets over his last three games played. Veteran wideout Sterling Shepard and tight end Cade Otton are also candidates to be the team's number two pass-catcher behind star wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.