NFL Could Discipline Player That Injured Chris Godwin in Buccaneers vs Ravens

The NFL is reviewing the play that ended Chris Godwin's 2024 season.

In Monday night's Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Baltimore Ravens game, Godwin suffered a dislocated ankle in the final moments of the game on a tackle that the NFL is trying to crack down on.

Read more: Buccaneers' Chris Godwin Carted Off Field With Significant Leg Injury

Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith appeared to use the hip drop tackle to bring down Godwin, which now will cost him his 2024 season. The NFL is reviewing the play, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, and could fine Smith if they conclude it was an illegal hip drop tackle.

Here's a video of the play:

The play occurred in the final minute of the Buccaneers' 41-31 loss to Baltimore. The Buccaneers also lost Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans earlier in the game with a hamstring injury, making Monday night's loss especially costly for the now 4-3 squad.

"Our prayers go out to him," Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said after the game. "Chris is a hell of a player and a hell of a human being. Not much you can say. You feel bad for him, and unfortunately, they're not going to cancel the games. We got to step up and move on. But our hearts are heavy."

TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 21: Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts as he is carted off the field after being injured during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Raymond James... Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

Godwin was in the midst of another great season in Tampa Bay. After seven weeks, he leads the league in receptions with 50 to go along with 576 yards and five touchdowns. He already caught an incredible 33 first down catches, and was on pace to break just about all his career-highs. Godwin set his career-high for receptions in 2022 with 104. He set his career-high in receiving yards (1,333), touchdowns (nine), and first down catches (63) in 2019.

Unfortunately, Godwin's 2024 season is now over prematurely, just before he enters free agency this offseason. The timing could not be worse for Godwin, but he'll hope to make a full recovery and still earn a nice payday this offseason.

As for the Buccaneers, they'll have to find Godwin's replacement for the rest of 2024. Rookie wideout Jalen McMillan and veterans Sterling Shepard and Trey Palmer will compete to fill Godwin's role. If Evans is forced to miss significant time with injury, too, all three of those players will have to step up for Tampa Bay.

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