Jets' early-season schedule just got a lot easier after key injury update

The New York Jets are facing a somewhat daunting start to the 2025 season, but their early-season slate may have just gotten a bit more manageable.

Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reported on Wednesday that Tampa Bay Buccaneers star left tackle Tristan Wirfs is expected to miss the start of the regular season following knee surgery.

Stroud added that Wirfs may even begin the year on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which would sideline him through at least Week 4, including the Jets' Week 3 road matchup against the Bucs on September 21.

Wirfs’ likely absence is a massive blow to the Buccaneers and a significant break for the Jets, who are likely still expected to be underdogs in that game. That said, the Jets

NY Jets could take advantage of a Tristan Wirfs-less Bucs team in Week 3

Tampa Bay will now likely turn to veteran free-agent signing Charlie Heck or another replacement-level option at left tackle. That's a massive drop-off from the guy who became the first player in NFL history to earn first-team All-Pro honors at both right and left tackle this past season.

Heck spent last season split between the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers practice squads, starting two games for the latter late in the year following a slew of injuries. He's started just nine games over the last three seasons combined.

The Jets will be in a prime position to take advantage of a hurting Bucs offensive line. Quinnen Williams remains the anchor in the middle, but it’s the edge rushers who could benefit most.

Will McDonald is looking to build off a breakout 10.5-sack season in 2024. Jermaine Johnson is working his way back from a torn Achilles and has expressed optimism about being ready for Week 1.

With the Bucs likely down their best offensive lineman, the Jets should have a real chance to create some chaos off the edge in a key early-season road game. It’s still part of a difficult stretch to open the year, but this matchup just got a little bit easier.

The Jets aren’t catching many breaks to start 2025, but not having to face one of the league’s best tackles definitely counts as one.