The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have endured a turbulent season, largely due to injuries plaguing their offensive lineup. Key players, including wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, have all been sidelined, contributing to the team’s struggles. The Buccaneers are currently 4-6 and on a four-game losing streak as they prepare for a Week 12 road matchup against the New York Giants.
However, there’s a glimmer of hope. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Wirfs returned to practice on Thursday after suffering a sprained MCL during a Week 10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Tampa Bay’s Week 11 bye provided Wirfs some additional recovery time.
“Not to bury the lead, but Tristan Wirfs is practicing,” Stroud shared via his official X account on November 21. “It may be on a limited basis and could be a game-time decision. But remarkable he could possibly play Sunday with the MCL sprain. He’s wearing a substantial brace on his knee.”
In more positive news, All-Pro wide receiver Mike Evans is also expected to return in Week 12. Evans has been out since injuring his hamstring in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Wirfs’ Injury Details
Wirfs was injured while blocking against All-Pro edge rusher Nick Bosa in Week 10. He was helped off the field during the second quarter and replaced by Justin Skule. Initial reports from ESPN suggested Wirfs had sustained an MCL sprain, pending further testing.
Since being drafted 13th overall by the Buccaneers in 2020, Wirfs has established himself as one of the premier offensive tackles in the NFL. In August, he signed a record-breaking five-year, $140.6 million contract extension, including $88.2 million guaranteed — the largest deal ever for an offensive lineman.
A Reliable Career So Far
Durability has been a hallmark of Wirfs’ career. He played every game during his first two seasons and missed time only once due to an ankle injury. He started all 17 games in 2023 and 10 games this season before his recent setback.
Injury Woes for the Buccaneers
The Buccaneers’ offense has been significantly hampered by injuries in 2024. Chris Godwin suffered a season-ending dislocated left ankle in Week 7, while Evans, aiming for an 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season, also went down the same week.
Despite their challenges, the Buccaneers remain within striking distance of the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season. While they’ve lost both matchups against the division-leading Atlanta Falcons, their remaining schedule offers some optimism, as six of their final seven games are against teams with losing records.
