Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin is out of concussion protocol and practicing Friday, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

Head coach Bruce Arians refuted speculation, saying Godwin is still doubtful for Sunday and is still in concussion protocol, according to Jenna Laine of ESPN. Individual practice for Godwin was part of protocol.

Reports accurately had Godwin practicing but not out of concussion protocol. This is a situation to watch as Godwin entered concussion protocol Wednesday.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin is not at practice on Thursday due to being in the league's concussion protocol.

Only time will tell if Godwin can get cleared in time for this weekend, but in all likelihood, he may be forced to miss Sunday's contest against the Carolina Panthers. Concussions are serious, and with the NFL finally treating them that way, there is no way to know how long any particular player will be in the protocol in any specific circumstance. Fantasy managers should start making contingency plans just in case we get an early rule out tomorrow. Scott Miller and the Buccaneers tight end duo should see volume boosts, especially if Mike Evans' hamstring is still bothering him. Justin Watson would likely ascend to three wide receiver sets.

Updating an earlier news item, Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin has formally entered the league's concussion protocol.

Godwin sat out of Wednesday's practice so this is not totally shocking. Godwin will attempt to clear protocol in time to return for Week 2's matchup with Carolina, but there is a strong possibility he has to sit out given that he is not practicing at all. If he does, Mike Evans would become a target hog and alternative pass-catching options like Scotty Miller, Rob Gronkowski, and O.J. Howard could see additional volume.

Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin is sitting out of practice on Wednesday after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit during Sunday's game.

Godwin announced that he felt fine yesterday but missing Wednesday's practice entirely is an ominous sign. We have not heard any official confirmation that Godwin is in the concussion protocol, so it remains possible he returns to practice tomorrow. If Godwin were to sit Week 2, Mike Evans would be locked into additional targets and it could open up more opportunity for tight ends Rob Gronkowski and O.J. Howard.

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (hamstring) is doubtful for Sunday's Week 1 game against the New Orleans Saints, according to James Palmer of the NFL Network.

Related players: Chris Godwin, Scott Miller, O.J. Howard, Rob Gronkowski

While expected, the loss of Evans for Sunday's marquee match-up with the Saints is a big-time blow. Evans is the field-stretcher of the Bucs offense and is difficult to beat on jump balls. The main focus of the Saints' defense shifts to Chris Godwin and give Scott Miller an opportunity to get more targets with Tom Brady. Tight ends O.J. Howard and Rob Gronkowski can also expect more looks.