Buccaneers All-Pro Tackle to Miss Start of 2025 Season

Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs will miss the season opener and likely a couple more games after undergoing surgery on his right knee.

Via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times,

“The Bucs will start the season without All Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who underwent surgery on his right knee Tuesday and will likely miss at least the first couple games of the regular season. Wirfs aggravated a right knee injury in the offseaon that forced him to miss only one game in 2024.

The Bucs scheduled arthroscopic surgery for Wirfs Tuesday, and some additional minor damage was found. Wirfs will likely begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. It’s a big blow for the Bucs. Wirfs protects the blind side of quarterback Baker Mayfield, one of his closest friends on the team.

The Bucs signed 49ers free agent left tackle Charlie Heck, who is likely to replace Wirfs to start the season. The Bucs improved from last to fourth overall in rushing last season.
Wirfs was limited in OTAs and minicamp and wore a brace on his right knee.”

This is terrible news for the Buccaneers heading into the 2025 NFL season. Wirfs is an All-Pro, and arguably the best offensive tackle in the league. Charlie Heck has some big shoes to fill.