Speaking publicly for the first time since returning to practice last month, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin said Thursday whether or not his attendance will be confirmed just before the Week 1 opener. against the Dallas Cowboys.
Godwin suffered a torn anterior and posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in Week 15 of last season against the New Orleans Saints.
“I don’t have a definitive answer,” Godwin said. I’m just so grateful to be on the pitch right now. »
Godwin was injured on December 19 and underwent ligament repair surgery on January 3 by Dr. James Andrews. He resumed training with his teammates on August 5, with purely individual exercises. He began participating in 7-on-7 drills on August 16 and 11-on-11 on August 22.
“I think it’s a very complicated process,” Godwin said. It’s obvious that when you come out of a major injury like this, you never really know how you’re going to feel. But I’m doing very well. You all see me there training. I did a lot of things, and every day is very different from the day before. »
While he hasn’t been cleared for contact yet, Godwin got rid of his knee brace this week, which he called “phenomenal.” »
Asked about the Buccaneers’ arrival with new receivers Julio Jones and Russell Gage, Godwin replied, “We have a room loaded with receivers who can go all levels of the field. We have talented guys in the room at running backs and in the tight end room. We lack nothing. So I think that really helps me in my process, makes me feel comfortable waiting for me to feel really comfortable going out there and playing. »
Miles Sanders ready to be the confidant
Eagles running back Miles Sanders, who is struggling with a hamstring injury, said he was “ready to go” for Sunday’s opener against the Detroit Lions.
Sanders was sidelined for more than two weeks following Game 1 of the preseason schedule against the New York Jets, but was fully involved in practice Wednesday as preparations for the Lions began.
“It’s just one of those injuries that you don’t want to risk during camp, so I hit rehab and I’m back, ready to go,” he said on Thursday.
Sanders, 25, is expected to be the main guard for an Eagles team that led the league in rushing with 160 yards per game last season. He finished with 754 yards on 137 carries (5.5 yards per attempt) in 12 games last season, missing time with ankle and hand injuries.
Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Sanders described this upcoming season as “a bit personal” and said he’s here to “finally get the respect I deserve.” »
He is expected to get the majority of carries, with Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott and newly acquired Trey Sermon as other backfield options.
“Miles is our man,” offensive coordinator Shane Steichen said. We are very happy with this group, but the addition of another talented player like [Sermon] will benefit us. »
