Will Buccaneers' Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin play vs. Patriots?
Bucky Irving and Chris Godwin have both been missing from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense for some time now, with Irving out since Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles and Godwin out since Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks. But now, the team has returned from the bye week in Week 9, and many believed that both players would be in line for a return — but is that the case?
Irving and Godwin were not at practice on Wednesday and Thursday, and on Friday and they were not at practice during the team's final day on Friday. Todd Bowles spoke to the media after practice, and he confirmed that Irving and Godwin are out vs. the New England Patriots Sunday.
Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving miss another week
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
The Buccaneers have been rather tight-lipped when it comes to the injuries suffered by Irving and Godwin.
Irving has missed four games since injuring himself and will now be out a fifth. He is suffering both shoulder and foot injuries, with the shoulder reportedly bothering him more than the foot. He has no timetable for return, but head coach Todd Bowles has mentioned that he's been running during his rehabilitation, which is good news.
Godwin dislocated his ankle very badly last year against the Baltimore Ravens, and when he played the Seahawks in Week 5, he injured the fibula on that same leg. Like Irving, very little updates have come about on his condition and he currently has no timetable for return — he's also been running, per Bowles.
Wideouts Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson and Sterling Shepard will look to step up in Godwin's absence, while running backs Rachaad White and Sean Tucker will come in for Bucky Irving once again. The Bucs will hope Irving and Godwin return at some point, but until then, they'll have to play the Patriots at 1 p.m. on Sunday without them.
BREAKING: New Orleans Saints Release Two Rookies for Unprofessional Conduct and Failure to Embrace Team Culture
In a move that has stunned the NFL community, the New Orleans Saints have released two rookies from their roster due to unprofessional behavior and their failure to fully adopt the team’s culture. Under the leadership of head coach
The decision to part ways with these two rookies, despite their promising futures, speaks volumes about Moore’s commitment to building a disciplined and cohesive team. While talent is important, Moore has emphasized that fitting into the Saints’ culture and maintaining the right attitude off the field are just as crucial as performance on the field.
“We’re building something here that requires everyone to be all in,” Moore said during his press conference. “It’s not just about what you do on the field. It’s about how you show up every day, how you contribute to the team, and how you respect the process. If you’re not committed to that, then you won’t be part of this organization.”
A Culture of Accountability and Professionalism
Since taking over as head coach, Moore has focused on creating a culture of accountability, professionalism, and teamwork within the Saints. Known for his sharp offensive mind and no-nonsense leadership, Moore has worked tirelessly to ensure that every player is fully aligned with the team’s core values of hard work, respect, and unity.
The two rookies, who were expected to play key roles in the Saints’ future, reportedly failed to meet Moore’s high standards. Sources close to the team suggest that their behavior off the field—including missed meetings, lack of participation in team activities, and failure to adopt a team-first mentality—ultimately led to their release.
“Football is a team sport, and this organization is built on mutual respect,” Moore explained. “We need players who are going to be committed to the collective effort—on and off the field. If you can’t be part of that, it’s not going to work.”
Long-Term Vision for the Saints
This decision is more than just releasing two rookies—it reinforces Moore’s long-term vision for the New Orleans Saints. The team is committed to building a championship-caliber roster, and that requires more than just talent—it requires a culture of discipline, unity, and a shared commitment to success.
While some fans may be disappointed with the loss of young talent, Moore’s decision demonstrates his commitment to maintaining a strong, unified culture within the team. The Saints are focused on building something sustainable for the future, and this move is part of that ongoing effort.
“We’re here to build something that lasts,” Moore stated. “We’re not just trying to win this year; we’re building a team that can compete at the highest level year in and year out. For that to happen, everyone needs to be fully invested in what we’re doing.”
Moving Forward
As the Saints move forward, Moore’s leadership will be a driving force in guiding the team toward its goals. While releasing two rookies may seem harsh to some, it’s clear that Moore is focused on building a disciplined, professional team that fully embodies the organization’s values.
With the rest of the roster now looking to prove they are fully invested in the team’s culture, the Saints are well-positioned to continue building toward a successful future. This decision serves as a reminder that no player is above the team, and Moore is committed to fostering a culture that will carry the Saints to sustained success.
Under Kellen Moore’s leadership, the New Orleans Saints are building a team rooted in discipline, respect, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This bold move is just one step in that direction.
