Tristan Wirfs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to work towards an agreement on a long-term contract extension. While it sounds like progress is being made, Wirfs still is taking a safe approach to his participation in training camp.
Wirfs was at camp but did not participate in padded practice on Monday morning at One Buc Place. Wirfs met with the media, and he explained that one particular even that occurred during the 2022 training camp has weighed on his decision to limit his participation.
"Yeah, I talked to Coach [Todd] Bowles about it," Wirfs said. "I pretty much told him the same thing: I have to be out [here]. I've got to be out here. It's just not in my DNA to…it was hard enough missing OTAs. I was in the weight room window watching the guys practice. I just told Coach Bowles I wanted to be cautious. There's a lot at stake. I was out there when [Ryan] Jensen went down a couple years ago. I'm just trying to be as smart as I can, and now I've got a little one to look after now. I'm just trying to be as smart as I can but still be out here and get as many mental reps as I can. It's still a new offense and stuff, and being there to watch 'Schooly' (Justin Skule) and coach 'Schooly' as much as I can. And he does the same thing for me all the time. So yeah, I talked to Coach Bowles and kind of worked it out."
It's not hard to understand where Wirfs' concerns are coming from. Jensen's injury in training camp back in 2022 was a huge blow for both Jensen and the entire offensive line. The veteran center was carted off the field after tearing all three ligaments in his knee. Jensen was out until the Bucs' playoff game against Dallas, but he was never able to get over it and missed the 2023 season with continuing issues, ultimately opting for retirement in February.
Injuries could happen at any time, but the extra risk that comes with the contact involving padded practices makes what he's doing understandable. Wirfs is also a seasoned veteran and one of the best linemen in all of football, so the physical reps aren't as important as the would be for a rookie or player fighting for a starting spot. He can also still learn the playbook and his assignments in Liam Coen's offense without having to engage in padded practices.
Bucs fans hope that this is all moot very soon, and that Wirfs has inked his name to a new deal at One Buc Place in line with the elite performance he's put forth in his first four years in the league.
