The NFL season is off to a rocky start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as they will begin without All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs. He underwent knee surgery on Tuesday, 2025-07-09 21:25:00, and is expected to miss at least the first couple of games. This setback comes after Wirfs aggravated a previous injury that sidelined him last season.
- Tristan Wirfs undergoes knee surgery.
- Likely to miss first couple of games.
- Charlie Heck to replace Wirfs temporarily.
- Wirfs had a stellar previous season.
- Bucs' offensive line depth affected by injuries.
- Team's early season performance may struggle.
Wirfs, a key protector for quarterback Baker Mayfield, has been a cornerstone of the Bucs’ offensive line since being drafted 13th overall in 2020. With Wirfs in the lineup, Mayfield faced pressure only 23.2% of the time, a statistic that underscores his importance to the team’s success.
This injury raises concerns about the Bucs’ ability to maintain their recent success. Will they manage to adapt without Wirfs? The team has signed Charlie Heck to fill the gap, but can he replicate Wirfs’ elite performance?
- Wirfs’ surgery revealed additional damage that needed repair.
- Charlie Heck is expected to start in Wirfs’ absence.
- Former Bucs swing tackle Justin Skule has joined the Vikings, further straining the offensive line depth.
- Wirfs had an impressive last season, allowing no sacks over 1,014 snaps.
As the Bucs prepare for their opening games against the Falcons and Texans, fans will be eager to see how the team adjusts. Can they secure wins despite this critical injury?
