This offseason, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made significant improvements in the defensive backfield and at linebacker, hoping to improve their overall defensive play.
The offensive pieces were already in place, and they strengthened the wide receiver position by drafting Emeka Ebuka from Ohio State.
Just before training camp, we got news that offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs will miss the first four games of the season after having surgery on his right knee, as Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times first reported.
The summer of positivity has quickly turned into discontent for the Buccaneers. Wirfs suffered an MCL sprain in a game against San Francisco last November. He missed one game and returned to the field against the New York Giants in week 13. Wirfs did not practice during minicamp, but was seen wearing a knee brace. He had surgery to repair damage in his right knee, and the expectation is that Wirfs will start the season on the PUP list, which would require him to miss four games.
One of their best backup offensive linemen, Justin Skule, who spelled Wirfs at times last season, was signed by the Minnesota Vikings in free agency.
Charlie Heck is the favorite to step in for Tristan Wirfs. Heck played with San Francisco last season and may start the first four games of the season.
Wirfs has missed five games in his NFL career. He has been an All-Pro and made four straight Pro Bowls. He is the NFL’s best offensive lineman.
The Buccaneers were optimistic entering training camp. All the starters on offense were back from the 2024 season, and the team was looking to build on last season’s success.
The season begins with a key piece of the offensive line out for the first four games.
With games against the Falcons, Texans, Jets, and Eagles to open the season, a 2-2 record may be the best we can hope for.
The Buccaneers begin training camp on July 24th. Three sessions will be open to the general public, and six sessions will be open to season ticket members.