The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still licking their wounds after getting blown off SoFi Stadium by the Los Angeles Rams 34-7 on Sunday Night Football.
But things aren't all bad for the Buccaneers, who have now lost four of their last five games, and at 6-5, could see the Carolina Panthers overtake them for the division lead if they beat the San Francisco 49ers tonight.
Injured running back Bucky Irving has been making good progress over the past couple of weeks, and on Monday, head coach Todd Bowles was asked if Bucky could make his long-awaited return on Sunday.
"Yeah, he's going to practice all this week, and if he's well by Friday, he'll play on Sunday," Bowles said.
So that's good. But wait, there's more.
Receiver Chris Godwin made his return to the field in L.A. As he caught two passes for just nine yards, while playing just 25 snaps as he continues his ramp-up to full speed.
But how did Chris feel after the game, injury-wise?
"He came out of it pretty good," Bowles added.
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It is tough sledding for the Buccaneers right now, and with Baker Mayfield having a reported AC joint sprain, things are going from bad to worse for Tampa Bay.
Yes, they might have Irving and Godwin on the field against the Arizona Cardinals this week, but Baker might be sidelined, so it appears the franchise can't catch a break with its injury list.
At 6-5, the time is now for the Buccaneers to snap this losing streak and go on a run, because the Carolina Panthers are right there for the division crown, too, and Tampa still has to play their rivals twice this season.
The Buccaneers have to start winning games; otherwise, their once-promising season will end with a disappointing whimper.
More Buccaneers news:
- Rams vs. Buccaneers live score, updates, highlights from NFL 'Sunday Night Football' game
- Is Chris Godwin playing tonight? Why Bucs WR is off to quiet start in Week 12
- Bucky Irving's absence, explained: Bucs star battled injury and off-the-field issue
- When is Bucky Irving coming back? Buccaneers' RB gets positive injury return timeline revealed by ESPN's Adam Schefter