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Jenna Laine
TAMPA, Fla. — Veteran Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs was aware that the discomfort in his right knee throughout the offseason was significant. However, medical professionals were unable to precisely identify the underlying issue as he persisted in trying to overcome it. He experienced difficulty even with everyday tasks like navigating stairs.
“It presented a frustrating situation, as I maintained my regular training regimen, underwent MRIs, and observed a gradual worsening,” expressed the four-time Pro Bowler, recently acclaimed as the ninth-best player in franchise history as part of the team’s 50th-anniversary commemoration.
“My mindset was geared towards preparation. I thought, ‘Okay, we’ll navigate this.’ Based on initial assessments, the consensus was that ‘nothing is fundamentally wrong.’ So, I resolved to persevere throughout the season, even if it proved challenging or less than ideal.”
However, a diagnosis was ultimately reached, leading to Wirfs undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in July, immediately preceding the commencement of training camp, with the understanding that he would be sidelined for the season’s opening stages. Currently, he reports being “pain-free” and anticipates a potential return to the field in Week 4, when the Buccaneers host the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, Fox), in what stands as the week’s sole contest pitting two undefeated 3-0 teams against each other.
“It was a source of relief to ascertain that my concerns were validated and that a tangible cause underlay the pain,” Wirfs conveyed. “While the timing was less than ideal, I am ultimately grateful that the issue has been addressed.”
Nevertheless, he acknowledged the predicament his absence posed for his team. The situation deteriorated further when the Buccaneers encountered additional setbacks, with right tackle Luke Goedeke (foot) and right tackle Cody Mauch (knee) both placed on injured reserve following their Week 2 encounter against the Houston Texans. In addition, Mike Jordan, a practice squad call-up who filled in at left guard, also sustained a knee injury.
Elijah Klein, the replacement left guard, had limited game experience, having participated in a mere two games and totaling nine snaps the previous year. Right guard Luke Haggard, who had spent the preceding two years on the Buccaneers’ practice squad, had never seen game action. Even the team’s two remaining original starters — center Graham Barton and left guard Ben Bredeson — were competing in unfamiliar positions.
“The team has performed admirably, facing considerable adversity and responding with determination,” Wirfs noted, adding that Barton’s achievement deserves greater recognition, drawing parallels to Joe Thuney’s performance during the previous season’s playoffs for the Kansas City Chiefs.
“I was simply reiterating to him that he possesses exceptional athleticism and strength, advising him to rely on his natural abilities,” Wirfs explained. “[I] endeavored to simplify the left tackle role, emphasizing the importance of remaining in front of opponents and avoiding quick defeats or inside penetrations, assuring him that everything would ultimately be satisfactory.
“I am immensely proud of him. The dedication he demonstrated is truly remarkable. It’s important to recognize that he had played approximately 16, 17, or 20 games at center. To then be tasked with playing left tackle on short notice is an extraordinary feat, yet he accomplished it. He maintained that position for three weeks and yielded only one sack to Danielle Hunter.”
He also expressed pride in quarterback Baker Mayfield.
“I believe this reflects his true character,” Wirfs stated. “[He] will exhaust every option to support the team and secure victory. Witnessing a game-winning drive completed in three plays is no simple feat, and he is consistently accomplishing it.”
One could contend that the Buccaneers’ receiving corps has been presented with similar challenges. However, potential reinforcements are on the horizon, with Pro Bowl wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. fully participating in Wednesday’s practice. Godwin, who led the league with 50 receptions and five touchdowns through Week 7 of the previous season, was still recovering from a second surgery on his left ankle and did not participate in training camp.
However, the injury toll has continued to mount. During the second preseason game, Jalen McMillan, who led the NFL with seven touchdowns in the final five games of the previous season, sustained a significant neck sprain that will sideline him at least until the Week 9 bye.
Then, during Sunday’s game against the Jets, Mike Evans, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, suffered what sources described as a “mild to moderate” hamstring strain that will keep him out for three to four weeks. This has necessitated increased responsibilities for rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka, who leads the team with three touchdowns, and Sterling Shepard, whose 153 receiving yards rank second on the team.
Mayfield, Godwin, and Wirfs are all listed as questionable this week, but coach Todd Bowles indicated that Mayfield “should be ready for Sunday.” Godwin and Wirfs were full participants in Friday’s practice, with Bowles stating that they would be evaluated to assess their bodies’ response to the practice session.
“Saturday and Sunday will play a crucial role,” Bowles remarked. “We need to monitor their reactions as the week progresses. That’s why everything remains tentative at this time.”
Regarding Godwin, whose role as a prominent slot receiver entails catching passes in contested areas, Bowles commented, “It’s primarily a matter of entanglement and similar occurrences, such as opponents cutting or tackling his legs. These scenarios are difficult to replicate in training, so they will be a key focus of our observations.”
The return of Wirfs would enable Barton to resume his role at center and Bredeson to revert to left guard. However, if Wirfs were to return to the left side, it would leave the right side more exposed, presenting a challenge for the Buccaneers to address. Charlie Heck started on the right side against the Texans, achieving an 82.9% pass block win rate in that game. The Buccaneers have been utilizing their tight ends less in the passing game to provide additional support for their tackles. Evans’ absence and a potential Godwin return could allow Cade Otton to continue providing that support.
“It is difficult to ascertain until we have confirmation regarding Tristan’s availability,” Mayfield remarked. “We have tasked our tight ends with assisting on the edges, chipping, and performing some of the less glamorous tasks, which they have executed effectively. It’s challenging to assess until then, but we are eager to involve Cade more extensively due to his reliability and consistent positioning.”
Wirfs can also influence the running game. This season, the Buccaneers have averaged 3.3 yards per carry when rushing to the left, compared to 5.3 yards per carry last year. Even with Goedeke’s emergence, the Buccaneers still heavily favored rushing to that side last season.
“There is no better opponent to face,” Wirfs asserted. “If I am on the field, my teammates are relying on me. Any rust will gradually dissipate. My teammates are counting on me to fulfill my role, and I am committed to doing everything within my power to achieve that.”
Godwin’s presence also alleviates some of the pressure on Egbuka, who would no longer be the sole focus of the opposing defense’s attention. For instance, his game-winning touchdown in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons occurred with Evans drawing All-Pro safety Jessie Bates III’s attention in the middle of the field, leaving Egbuka in single coverage on the outside.
“I believe Egbuka began contemplating that after the first game,” Bowles stated, “but we cannot predict how opponents will approach us.”
Mayfield added that Evans “fundamentally alters how teams play us.”
“He garners significant attention, so during a game, I did not observe them making substantial adjustments or adaptations regarding Emeka, but we will see. Everyone must elevate their performance. No single individual can replicate Mike’s contributions, so everyone must excel in their respective roles and execute effectively against a formidable opponent.”
Godwin and Egbuka can line up in various positions, with Shepard primarily occupying the slot — a position where Godwin has experienced his greatest success since 2019 and where Egbuka spent a significant portion of the summer. In fact, all three of Egbuka’s receptions from the slot this year have resulted in touchdowns. However, Egbuka has predominantly lined up outside opposite Evans due to McMillan’s absence.
“You know that positive outcomes are likely when he is on the field,” Mayfield said of Godwin. “He ensures that everyone is on the same page, whether through explicit communication or by correcting any errors. He is always a valuable asset — we will see — hopefully, he can participate, which is our expectation, but yes, it would be advantageous to have him on the field.”
