The new NFL season has yet to begin, but some teams are already facing early setbacks. In this case, Baker Mayfield’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have to kick off Week 1 without one of their key defensive players, who was forced to undergo surgery.
Tristan Wirfs, a former All-Pro and one of the cornerstones of Todd Bowles’ roster, underwent through a surgical procedure after aggravating a knee injury. As a result, it has been confirmed that he will miss the opening weeks of the season.
The news was confirmed by NFL insider Rick Stroud, who shared further details about the significant loss for Mayfield and the Buccaneers at the start of the new campaign via his official X account (formerly Twitter).
“The Bucs will start the season without All Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who underwent surgery on his right knee Tuesday and will likely miss at least the first couple games of the regular season. Wirfs aggravated a right knee injury in the offseason that forced him to miss only one game in 2024.“
Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers speaks with Tristan Wirfs #78 after throwing an interception against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Ford Field on January 21, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.
He also added via @NFLSTROUD: “The Bucs scheduled arthroscopic surgery for Wirfs Tuesday, and some additional minor damage was found. Wirfs will likely begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. It’s a big blow for the Bucs. Wirfs protects the blind side of quarterback Baker Mayfield, one of his closest friends on the team.”
see also
NFL News: Buccaneers make final decision about the future of Baker Mayfield’s head coach
Wirfs’ potential replacement
The season hasn’t even started yet, and Todd Bowles is already being forced to reshuffle the puzzle ahead of Week 1. Replacing one of his key players on the offensive line won’t be easy — especially considering that throughout last season, he didn’t allow a single sack on Baker Mayfield.
According to Rick Stroud’s report, the leading candidate to replace Wirfs at that position is Charlie Heck, who joined the Buccaneers as a free agent after his stint with the San Francisco 49ers.
“The Bucs signed 49ers free agent left tackle Charlie Heck, who is likely to replace Wirfs to start the season. The Bucs improved from last to fourth overall in rushing last season. Wirfs was limited in OTAs and minicamp and wore a brace on his right knee.”
The start of the season for the Bucs
- @ Atlanta Falcons, September 7th
- @ Houston Texans, September 15th
- vs New York Jets, September 21st
- vs Philadelphia Eagles, September 28th
- vs Seattle Seahawks, October 5th
SurveyWho will win the NFC South this season?
Who will win the NFC South this season?
ALREADY VOTED 0 PEOPLE
