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.

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.

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.

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.

The Buccaneers have placed receiver Russell Gage on injured reserve, formally ending his 2023 season.

Gage suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee last week during a joint practice with the Jets, an injury that will sideline him for the year.

Related players: Deven Thompkins, Trey Palmer

After signing with the Bucs in the 2022 offseason, Gage caught 51 passes for 426 yards with five touchdowns last year in 13 games. Thompkins and Palmer are next up behind Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.

Russell Gage is down and surrounded by trainers, in obvious duress. A cart has been brought out to take him off the field.

Related Players: Trey Palmer, David Moore, Deven Thompkins

Very unfortunate news for Gage, who was likely to get quite a lot of run this season, even after the trade rumors surrounding Chris Godwin and Mike Evans came and went. Trey Palmer and Deven Thompkins are both projected as kick returners, so one of them may get extra snaps as a speedy slot option, depending on the severity of Gage's injury.