The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter mandatory minicamp with encouraging news surrounding several key contributors. Running back Bucky Irving recently returned to the practice field as he continues recovering from foot and shoulder injuries that required offseason surgery, while rookie cornerback Benjamin Morrison is being evaluated after suffering a minor leg injury during OTAs. The Buccaneers have also received positive news from veteran receiver Chris Godwin, who appears fully healthy after battling ankle and fibula injuries in 2025, and quarterback Baker Mayfield, who enters the summer without any injury concerns.
Bucky Irving - Foot/Shoulder
Irving continues to recover from the foot and shoulder injuries that limited him to just 10 games during the 2025 season. The shoulder issue ultimately required surgery in late February/early March 2026, which has dictated much of his offseason rehab timeline. For most of the Buccaneers' voluntary OTA program, Irving was limited to rehabilitation work and did not participate in team drills. However, he took a significant step forward on June 11, returning to the practice field and participating in individual work, including catching passes during on-field drills. While he has not yet returned to full-contact activities, the progression is an encouraging sign roughly three months after surgery. Irving is expected to attend mandatory minicamp, though he will likely remain limited or non-contact as Tampa Bay continues to manage his recovery. The Buccaneers remain optimistic that he will continue ramping up throughout training camp and be ready for the start of the 2026 season.
Benjamin Morrison - Leg
Morrison was held out of the Buccaneers' June 11 OTA practice after sustaining a new leg injury, which head coach Todd Bowles described as being "nicked up." The rookie cornerback entered the offseason with durability questions after undergoing hip surgery before the 2025 season and dealing with multiple soft-tissue issues during his first NFL campaign. Given that history, Tampa Bay has been cautious with his workload and appears content to err on the side of caution during the offseason program.
Chris Godwin - Ankle/Fibula
Godwin appears fully healthy after battling ankle and fibula issues that affected his availability and effectiveness during the 2025 season. The veteran receiver has been a full participant throughout Buccaneers OTAs, showing no signs of lingering limitations from those lower-body injuries. Godwin has consistently been one of the most active players in Tampa Bay's passing game, drawing a heavy target share while working primarily out of the slot, making contested catches, and serving as a leader for the younger receivers on the roster. He is expected to be a full participant at mandatory minicamp with no restrictions. By all accounts, Godwin looks like his pre-injury self and appears poised to play a major role in the Buccaneers' offense heading into the 2026 season.
