Team news: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bucs have said they’ll use Chris Godwin in the slot, after shifting him outside last year with an eye on avoiding injuries. It’s the role Cooper Kupp had with the Rams when Coen was there.

Related Players: Mike Evans, Trey Palmer, Jalen McMillan

Godwin had been around the 70% slot range over the previous three seasons before logging only 37% of his snaps from inside last year. If he returns to that role in 2024, we might not see a ton from rookie Jalen McMillan to begin the season. Through four years at Washington, McMillan lined up in the slot nearly two-thirds of the time, including a 92% rate in '22.

Godwin's explosive games have lessened recently, but he still makes an intriguing low-end WR3 in fantasy.

The Buccaneers have agreed to terms with veteran WR Sterling Shepard on a one-year deal. Following eight seasons with the Giants, who drafted him in the second round in 2016, Shepard reunites with his former Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield in Tampa.

Related Players: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Trey Palmer, Jalen McMillan

Shepard adds some depth to the wide receiver room as they head into the summer months but will have a difficult time producing in fantasy if he makes the final roster.

Baker Mayfield confirmed the three-year deal. “I wanted a chance to come back,” Mayfield said. “I love coach Bowles and the staff. I’m happy to be here and I want to win more in the postseason
Baker Mayfield’s deal with the Buccaneers:

2024: $30 million
2025: $30 million, including $20 million guaranteed
2026: $40 million

$5 million per year in incentives

$100 million total, with incentives a max value of $115 million.

Coming off a 9-8 record in his first year in Tampa Bay, Mayfield is back along with his star WR Mike Evans. Consider him a fantasy QB2 heading into 2024.

Buccaneers announced that they waived running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn.

Related Players: Rachaad White, Chase Edmonds, Sean Tucker

The former third-round pick has only accrued 125 rushing attempts over his four seasons with the team, including 24 in 2023. This shouldn't do anything to mix up the current rotation, with Rachaad White far and away the RB1.

Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin (knee) is a game-time decision.

Related Players: Mike Evans, Trey Palmer, Deven Thompkins, Cade Otten

Mike Evans could end up getting fed a ton in Week 15, while TE Cade Otton could get a small boost in target rate as well, making him a streaming candidate.

Bucs WR Chris Godwin had a very important rushing TD yesterday, but it was the only touch he had in the game.

HC Todd Bowles answered how surprising it was that he didn’t have a catch in the contest, according to the post, and added, “We were subbing him out a lot. Obviously he’s a little nicked up so he’s not totally 100%.” Godwin was questionable coming into the game with a neck injury and saved owners from a goose egg with his TD run. Owners may want to think about their options during the finals weeks of the season until Godwin can show a little more or prove to be healthy. The Bucs play an early game at the Falcons in Week 14.

Here’s today’s injury report for Bucs and Panthers. Chris Godwin dealing with a neck injury, top three inside linebackers all limited or not practicing.

Related Players: Mike Evans, Trey Palmer, Deven Thompkins

A limited practice before Friday is a good sign that Goodwin will be suiting up for Week 13. Assuming no reaggravation, he should be considered a WR3 in what could be a difficult matchup against the Panthers.

Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was able to finish Sunday’s game against the Colts despite suffering an ankle injury in the first quarter.

It sounds like Mayfield will be able to play this week’s game against the Panthers, too.

Head coach Todd Bowles told reporters in his Monday press conference that Mayfield’s MRI was negative, which is a positive outcome for the QB. Owners should keep any eye on Mayfield's status this week as there's a good chance he'll at least be limited. For now, he appears to have a good chance to play in Week 13.

Mike Evans was listed with a quad injury Wednesday. Just working with a trainer early today, but he’s usually a guy to push through injury whenever possible. Something to watch.

Related Players: Chris Godwin, Trey Palmer, Deven Thompkins

The target tree has been quite succinct in Tampa Bay this year, with Evans, Godwin, and Cade Otton being the biggest beneficiaries. Godwin could have a throwback target hog performance if Evans were to miss Week 11.