Buccaneers Receive Concerning News on Tristan Wirfs Ahead of Week 14

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered Week 14 feeling optimistic about the return of several key offensive playmakers. 

But that momentum took a sudden hit Wednesday when First-Team All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs unexpectedly appeared on the injury report with an oblique issue.

As Sports Illustrated noted, the development came as a surprise: 

As one team observer noted there was “no indication Wirfs suffered any sort of injury during the 20-17 win over Arizona.” 

He looked like his usual dominant self with no sign of injury. 

Now, with Wirfs officially listed as a non-participant in the walkthrough, the Buccaneers suddenly have a significant new variable to monitor. 

This was not the news the Bucs wanted to hear as they head into a  pivotal divisional matchup with the New Orleans Saints.

Wirfs Pops Up on Injury Report After Walkthrough

Tampa Bay’s midweek walkthrough delivered the kind of update no team wants. 

Tristan Wirfs, the franchise’s cornerstone left tackle, was held out with an oblique injury.

Wirfs didn’t limp, grimace, or show any visible discomfort against the Cardinals so the timing of the injury is very weird and still unknown. 

This makes the timing of the injury report all the more puzzling. 

Wirfs has already worked his way back from an offseason knee procedure that sidelined him early in the year. 

Despite those limitations, he still returned looking like one of best offensive lineman in the NFL. 

In recent weeks, he’s been a true anchor for a banged-up offense trying to regain its identity and early-season form. 

The Buccaneers haven’t yet released further details about the injury,

But the good news is that early-week walkthroughs typically lean conservative when it comes to listing players.  

That, combined with Wirfs’ reputation as an elite competitor, gives Tampa Bay some optimism that he will still be able to play this week.

This injury is definitely one that is worth monitoring as he is a centerpiece of this offense. 

His practice status on Thursday and Friday will give a much clearer picture on his availability for Sunday. 

Injury Emerges Just as Tampa Bay Was Finally Getting Healthy

That storyline stings even more because Tampa Bay was finally beginning to see the light on the injury front.

Bucky Irving returned to form in his return last week after he has been out since Week 4. 

Chris Godwin also had his best game of the season in his second game back from missing an extended period of time. 

The Bucs have also gotten positive updates on Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan.

They both appear to be getting close to rejoining the lineup. 

For a team that has battled injuries since the preseason, this was the first week in months where the Buccaneers could realistically envision something close to their full offensive arsenal. 

Just as that picture was coming together, Wirfs’ name hitting the injury report changed the tone. 

The Bucs know that losing supporting playmakers is difficult but losing Tristan Wirfs would be season-changing. 

His presence and ability to control the line of scrimmage shapes the entire offense. 

Based on how he played against Arizona and the fact that Wednesday was only a walkthrough, there’s a sense that this may be precautionary. 

But his availability for Week 14 remains “something to keep an eye on moving forward.”

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