Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin says he'll be game-time decision but 'grateful' for progress from knee injury

TAMPA, Fla. — Speaking publicly for the first time since returning to practice last month, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin said Thursday that he will be a game-time decision in Sunday's Week 1 opener at the Dallas Cowboys.

Godwin suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee in Week 15 last season against the New Orleans Saints.

«I don't have a definitive answer,» Godwin said. «I'm just really grateful to be out there right now.»

Godwin suffered the injury Dec. 19 and underwent surgery performed by Dr. James Andrews to repair the ligaments Jan. 3. He returned to practice with his teammates Aug. 5, which included purely individual drills. He began participating in some 7-on-7 work Aug. 16 and 11-on-11 work Aug. 22.

«I think it's a really like complicated process,» Godwin said. «Obviously, you come off a major injury like this, you never really know how you're gonna feel. But I've been doing really well. Y'all see me out there practicing. I've been doing a lot of stuff, and like each day, it's very different than the day before. So, I think, ultimately, what it comes down to is, one, how I'm feeling, and then two, the discussions I've had with [coach] Todd Bowles and the training staff. I think whenever the time comes for the game, I think everybody will know, but until then, even I'm not sure.»

While he hasn't been cleared for contact yet, Godwin shed his knee brace this week, which he called «phenomenal.» He was listed as being a full participant in Wednesday's practice but did not practice on Thursday.

«I think it's just trying to be as smart as possible,» Godwin said. «Because obviously the competitor in me wants to go as soon as I can. But just understanding that I wasn't there for the end of the