The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing a significant challenge as they gear up for the 2024 NFL season: their star offensive tackle, Tristan Wirfs, will likely miss the start of the season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. The news comes as a tough pill for Buccaneers fans to swallow, considering Wirfs is not just any player, he’s arguably the best on the roster.
According to reports, Wirfs is expected to begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. This means he could miss at least the first four games of the season, a situation that could pose serious complications for Tampa Bay’s playoff aspirations.
While Wirfs had a remarkable 2022 season, earning Pro Bowl and NFL All-Pro honors despite missing a career-high four games, his durability has predominantly been a strong point. Over the course of his first five NFL seasons, he has only missed five games total, showcasing his value as a backbone of the Buccaneers’ offensive line. This is no ordinary tackle. At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, Wirfs is a three-time NFL All-Pro, a four-time Pro Bowler, and even a Super Bowl champion. He’s made history by being the only player to earn All-Pro recognition at both left and right tackle, highlighting his versatility and skill.
Concerns about Wirfs’ knee had already surfaced during minicamp in June when he was spotted wearing a bulky knee brace. The team had been cautious not to risk further injury to a cornerstone player like Wirfs, and as Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles hinted, it made sense to keep him sidelined until training camp began.
The potential loss of Wirfs for an extended period cannot be overstated—it could derail Tampa Bay’s quest for a sixth consecutive playoff appearance. His role in protecting not just the quarterback but the overall integrity of the offensive line is critical.
To underscore Wirfs’ importance, the Buccaneers recently made headlines by signing him to a five-year, $140.6 million contract extension, which not only made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL but also reflected how vital he is to the team’s future. His extension included nearly $90 million in guaranteed money—a clear indication of the franchise’s faith in him.
In Wirfs’ absence, the depth chart shows journeyman Charlie Heck as the next man up at left tackle. However, it might make more sense for the Buccaneers to shift Luke Goedeke from right tackle to accommodate Wirfs’ recovery, allowing Heck to slide into the right tackle position. This strategy could help maintain some continuity along the line while Wirfs heals.
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times shared the sentiment that losing Wirfs is a “big blow” for the Buccaneers, particularly since he plays a crucial role in protecting quarterback Baker Mayfield, who counts on him as one of his closest allies on the team.
Heck, a fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has experience in the league but has now landed on his fourth team in just three years, following stints with the Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, and San Francisco 49ers. In his five seasons, he has made 23 career starts, with a high of 13 during the 2021 season with Houston.
The road ahead may be a tough one for the Buccaneers, who will need to adapt quickly in the face of adversity. Wirfs’ absence poses a challenge not just for the offensive schemes but also for the confidence the team has in executing its game plan effectively. With the season approaching, the countdown begins to see how they will navigate this significant hurdle.
