The Facts: The Bucs have been consistent in saying how well Godwin is doing in his recovery and rehab from ACL surgery, but they’ve also been careful not to say when they expect him back. The optimistic view would be that he’s back practicing during preseason and close enough to be on the initial 53-man roster. But the goal is to have him fully healthy when it matters most this season, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they took a slower approach and had him on the physically unable to perform list for the first six weeks of the season, leaning on Russell Gage as the No. 2 early in the year.

Diehards Line: This according to The Athletic's Greg Auman, who notes that while there have been encouraging reports on Godwin’s progress, the Bucs have made a big investment in him long-term, so the priority will be getting him back to his old self rather than getting him back right away. Those first four games of the season — at Cowboys, at Saints, vs. Packers and vs.Chiefs — are daunting with or without Godwin. Tampa Bay will make sure he’s OK first.