Latest news with #Wirfs
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Offensive Uncertainty Headlines Buccaneers' Training Camp Storylines
Offensive Uncertainty Headlines Buccaneers' Training Camp Storylines originally appeared on Athlon Sports. All offseason, the buzz around the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has largely been driven by the offense and the weapons Baker Mayfield has at his disposal. A stud run game, solid offensive line and pass-catchers who are the envy of the league, the Buccaneers will have no shortage of chances to put up points regularly in 2025. But there are some questions that have to be answered over the duration of training camp for head coach Todd Bowles and his coaching staff. Who steps in for injured tackle Tristan Wirfs, and how "healthy" will Chris Godwin be? For ESPN's Jenna Laine, that is the Buccaneers' biggest storyline of the offseason. "How much will injuries to All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs and Pro Bowl wide receiver Chris Godwin affect quarterback Baker Mayfield?" Laine writes. "The Bucs invested a first-round draft pick in wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, allowing them to be patient with Godwin's rehabilitation. "But Wirfs' injury creates more uncertainty, as they have a new swing tackle in Charlie Heck after Justin Skule departed in free agency. Training camp should give Mayfield a chance to work through life without two crucial members of the offense." Godwin's progression from his ankle injury is less of a concern than Wirfs due to the Bucs' other receivers in Mike Evans, Egbuka, Jalen McMillian and tight end Cade Otton. Left tackle, though, behind Wirfs, doesn't look pretty; however, it does present the opportunity for someone to step up, with Heck expected to be the player to get first crack at the starting job. The offense is going to be the reason the Buccaneers make the playoffs and go on a deep run, but only if it is a well-oiled machine and with the injury to Wirfs and the uncertain nature of Godwin's return, things might not be as smooth as many think. But training camp could go a long way in alleviating those fears. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bucs' Baker Mayfield finds 'silver lining' in Bucs OL situation during camp
For most quarterbacks, starting training camp without their full offensive line intact might sound like a setback. But Baker Mayfield sees opportunity in adversity, and he's making sure his teammates do too. Mayfield spoke about the Bucs' offensive line situation, saying, 'When you think about it that way, there is a silver lining, they are getting reps together as the starting five as of right now. They are getting reps together communication wise. With that unit, the more they get chemistry, the more they get going together, the better it's going to be. So yeah, it is good that they are getting reps, potentially not the best reason why, but it's a great day one in training camp to do it.' While it's still unclear whether this version of the offensive line will hold once the season starts, the current group is gaining valuable reps early, timing, communication, and trust. For Mayfield, that chemistry may matter more than names on a depth chart. Last year, the Bucs struggled with injuries and rotations along the line with both Wirfs and Goedeke suffering a concussion that knocked him out a month. This year, Mayfield wants to turn uncertainty into cohesion. It's a mentality he's carried since his college days: control what you can and build from the inside out. Mayfield continues to grow into his role as the team's emotional engine. Rather than express frustration about missing pieces, he's putting a spotlight on the players who are there and the work they're putting in. His perspective echoes what teammates and coaches have praised him for since arriving in Tampa: his presence in the locker room, his command in the huddle, and the ability to rally his teammates regardless of the circumstances. That kind of chemistry may pay dividends when the pads are on and the bullets are flying in September. This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Baker Mayfield finds 'silver lining' in Bucs OL situation during camp
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Iowa football great, Buccaneers OT to open season on PUP list
Tristan Wirfs is one of the best offensive linemen in the entire NFL. But football fans will have to wait a little while before they see him take the field. On Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced that the two-time All-Pro tackle would open the season on the physically unable to perform list (PUP for short). Wirfs is dealing with a right knee injury at the moment and is joined on the PUP list by his teammate and former Penn State Nittany Lion Chris Godwin, who is recovering from a dislocated ankle. ESPN's Jenna Laine dove deeper into the Wirfs injury news and how it evolved from Wirfs missing minicamp for precautionary reasons to him landing on the PUP list. Wirfs was held out of mandatory minicamp in June and stood on the sidelines wearing a heavy brace on his right knee. At the time, coach Todd Bowles indicated he was being held out for "precautionary" reasons. But he wound up undergoing arthroscopic surgery in July, which is when more damage was detected. Early indications are that Wirfs will "likely" miss the start of the regular season, sources told ESPN earlier this month. -Laine. It's a tough blow for Wirfs and the Buccaneers, who are the favorites to win the NFC South once again. Wirfs is the only player in NFL history to be named an All-Pro at both left and right tackle and was set to block Baker Mayfield's blindside this season. While it sounds like the injury won't keep him out too long, it's a shame that Wirfs will likely miss the start of the regular season with it. Wirfs was a fan favorite at Iowa, and Hawkeye fans are wishing him a speedy recovery as we get closer and closer to the 2025 season kicking off. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney
NBC Sports
22-07-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Todd Bowles provides an update on Tristan Wirfs: He'll be ready sooner than later
Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee earlier this month. Wirfs could miss the start of the season, but coach Todd Bowles isn't ready to rule Wirfs out. Bowles expressed optimism despite uncertainty about whether doctors will clear Wirfs for Week 1. 'That I cannot tell you,' Bowles told Joe Bucs Fan about Wirfs' availability for the season opener. 'I just know he'll be ready sooner than later. I don't know if it's Week 1, 2, 3. He'll definitely put the work in, so I don't have a problem with that.' Wirfs recently posted a workout video on Instagram. 'I would feel better if you told me he put out a video jumping out of a pool on one leg,' Bowles said. 'Then I'd know he'd be close to being ready to play.' Wirfs' knee was expected to be fine with rest, with Bowles saying during the offseason program that Wirfs would be full-go at training camp. Instead, Wirfs required surgery after the offseason program, and additional damage was found during the procedure. Bowles, though, defended the team's medical staff. 'Obviously, there have been talks since the season ended and for it to heal,' Bowles said. 'And [the medical staff and Wirfs] each other decided to get the surgery done. Sometimes when you let things heal, they don't heal the right way. That's just part of it. 'That's just like going for it on fourth down. Either you get it or you don't. Either it heals or it doesn't and you have to get surgery. But there was great communication throughout and Tristan's in great spirits right now. And if I was a bettin' man, I'd bet he'd be back sooner than later. And we can do is get the next guys ready.' Charlie Heck is expected to fill in for Wirfs.
USA Today
21-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Rankings the Bucs offensive groups from best to worst ahead of training camp
While Tampa finished as one of the NFC's most efficient offenses in 2024, its success this year may hinge on which position groups elevate or regress. Here's a full breakdown of the Bucs' offensive position groups, ranked from best to worst heading into training camp. Wide Receiver The wide receiver room is without question the most complete and talented unit on Tampa Bay's offense. Mike Evans remains the centerpiece, fresh off his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season, and continues to be a matchup nightmare on the outside. Chris Godwin Jr, assuming full recovery from his late-season ankle injury, remains one of the league's most dependable slot receivers. What pushes this group to the top is its depth and potential. First-round pick Emeka Egbuka adds immediate polish and route-running precision, while Jalen McMillan and veteran Sterling Shepard round out a strong rotation. The Buccaneers can run three and four-receiver sets without a significant drop-off, giving them versatility in both vertical and underneath passing concepts. Running Back Tampa Bay's backfield has quietly become one of its most dynamic units. Bucky Irving burst onto the scene as a rookie last year, racking up over 1,100 rushing yards and leading all NFL backs in missed tackles forced per carry. His shiftiness and vision made him an explosive every-down option. Complementing him is Rachaad White, who remains one of the better pass-catching running backs in the NFC. Together, they form a thunder-and-lightning pairing that offers balance, pass protection, and third-down utility. Behind them, Sean Tucker adds upside. With both explosiveness and versatility, this group has top-tier potential. Offensive Line The Buccaneers' offensive line is anchored by All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who allowed just one sack all of 2024. He remains one of the NFL's premier blindside protectors. On the right side, Luke Goedeke continues to improve in pass sets and run support, while Cody Mauch showed noticeable growth at right the middle, second-year center Graham Barton brings stability and leadership, while veteran Ben Bredeson provides solid play at left guard. This group may lack Pro Bowl names beyond Wirfs, but the cohesion and versatility across all five positions make them a reliable and above-average unit. Although Wirfs is set to miss the start of the season after knee surgery, continuity on the line still has the Bucs line as one of the best in the league. Tight End The tight end room lacks elite star power but remains serviceable and well-rounded. Cade Otton is the clear TE1, showing growth as both a receiver and blocker. He's coming off a 59-catch, 600-yard season and is one of Baker Mayfield's favorite security blankets. Behind Otton, Payne Durham, Ko Kieft, and rookie Devin Culp offer complementary skill sets ranging from red-zone utility to motion-blocking and vertical mismatches. They're functional in both the run and pass games, and their depth gives the Bucs flexibility in two-tight end sets. However, I haven't seen enough to rank them higher, although the raw potential is there. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is coming off a career-best season, throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns while posting a completion rate above 70%. His command of the offense and leadership helped guide the Bucs to another playoff run and solidified his role as the long-term starter. That said, the quarterback room as a whole lacks depth. Kyle Trask has yet to prove himself capable of leading a full NFL offense, and Michael Pratt, while promising, is unproven at the pro level. The drop off from Mayfield to either backup is steep, which puts this group at the bottom of the list despite a strong QB1.
