ESPN recently released its list of the top 10 offensive tackles in the NFL, and it was a bittersweet moment for Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans as their own Tristan Wirfs earned the honor of being ranked at the very top.
However, the celebration is tempered by the news that Wirfs underwent surgery on his right knee Tuesday and is expected to miss several games at the start of the season — a sore subject for Bucs fans eager to see him back on the field.
The Buccaneers have the potential for a phenomenal year, powered by an explosive passing attack. With Pro Bowl wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, along with college superstar rookie Emeka Egbuka, the passing offense looks poised to be one of the most dangerous in the league. Having Tristan Wirfs at tackle, beating out big names like Penei Sewell and Lane Johnson, is a major accomplishment for the team, which makes it even tougher to accept that Wirfs won’t be protecting quarterback Baker Mayfield for the first few games.
Could Wirfs still earn a Pro Bowl invite and remain among the NFL’s elite tackles next year despite missing time?
Wirfs will likely start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which under NFL rules requires players to miss at least the first four games. The earliest he could return would be Week 5 against the Seahawks on October 5. However, his recovery could take longer, potentially keeping him out for a few additional weeks.
When he does return, there’s no doubt his presence will make an immediate impact. Even while battling injuries last season, Wirfs still earned All-Pro honors and was ranked as the best offensive tackle in the league. A fully healthy, recovered Wirfs could play at a level we’ve never seen from him before. With a strong second half of the season, and a possible playoff berth for the Buccaneers, earning accolades this year isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem.
Wirfs still has a chance to earn personal awards despite missing a portion of the season. His best shot will be returning by the hoped-for date of October 5, and playing like the dominant, healthy tackle the league already knows he can be.
