TAMPA, Fla. — Bucs receiver Chris Godwin, sidelined last week following surgery to his fractured left index finger, has been cleared to play Sunday night against the Saints, coach Bruce Arians said.
The extent of his action likely will depend on how much pain he can tolerate.
"He caught the ball fine (at Friday's practice), but we'll see how sore it is," Arians said in his regular post-practice virtual meeting with reporters. "But I would anticipate him probably playing, just knowing how tough he is and what it all means to him."
The Bucs' third-leading receiver (25 receptions), Godwin sustained the injury while making a touchdown catch two weeks ago against the Raiders in Las Vegas. He practiced Friday with a splint shrouding the finger.
His return would give the Bucs their full complement of receivers and then some. New acquisition Antonio Brown also is expected to play Sunday.
"If there was any jeopardy (of infection) at all we would not let him play," Arians said. "But he's been cleared so we'll just see how the pain tolerance goes, see how sore he is (Saturday). But I'm pretty sure he'll go."
Arians also said veteran Joe Haeg will start at left guard if Ali Marpet isn't yet cleared from concussion protocol. Marpet sustained a concussion Monday night against the Giants, but still played every snap in the 25-23 win.
Other possible options include sliding center Ryan Jensen to left guard and inserting former Rimington Trophy winner A.Q. Shipley at center.
"We're pretty solid in there with some veteran guys, and I feel very comfortable with it," Arians said.
