Buccaneers’ Tristan Wirfs Ranked #1 NFL Tackle, But Injury Looms

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Tackle Tristan Wirfs has been in the news cycle for awhile now following reports of his recent surgery. But that doesn’t mean his play has fallen off of the radar.

ESPN unveiled its top 10 NFL offensive tackles, with Tristan Wirfs claiming the number one spot. The recognition is a testament to Wirfs’ exceptional skills, but it also highlights the high standard he maintains. This potentially sets the bar even higher for his teammates and future Buccaneers tackles.

Via ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler,

“Wirfs earning first-team All-Pro honors at left and right tackle is an incredible feat. No other player in NFL history has done that. Perhaps even more impressive: Wirfs did so in his second NFL season of playing each position (2021, 2024), showing a Doogie Howser level of quick learning. ESPN Research attributed two sacks to Wirfs, an impressive number for a left tackle. His 95.9 pass block win rate led all tackles.”

“He doesn’t have the flashy plays that Sewell has, but everything is so easy to him,” an NFC executive said. “He can handle whatever you want out there and won’t look particularly stressed doing it. Rare combination of size and athleticism.”

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Wirfs’ work on the left side helped the Bucs’ offense rank third in total offense (399.5 yards per game). He is the game’s highest-paid tackle at $28.125 million per year.”

Yet, the excitement over Wirfs’ top ranking is dampened by news that he’ll be sidelined for several games after undergoing right knee surgery on Tuesday, a setback that’s sure to disappoint Buccaneers fans eager for his return.

With a potent passing attack featuring Pro Bowlers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, plus highly touted rookie Emeka Egbuka, the Buccaneers are primed for a breakout season. Tristan Wirfs’ recognition as the NFL’s top tackle is a huge boost, but it’s bittersweet given his expected absence from the lineup for several games. Wirfs’ presence would be a key factor in protecting quarterback Baker Mayfield, making his injury a significant loss for Tampa Bay’s offense.

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Wirfs is expected to begin the season on the PUP list, meaning he’ll miss at least the first four games. His earliest possible return would be Week 5, when the Buccaneers face the Seahawks on October 5. However, the timeline for his recovery remains uncertain, and it’s possible he could be out for several more weeks beyond that.

When Wirfs returns from injury, he’ll undoubtedly make an instant impact. Even while playing through injuries last season, he earned All-Pro honors and was ranked the league’s top tackle. A fully healthy Wirfs could take his game to unprecedented heights, and with a strong second half potentially propelling the Buccaneers into the playoffs, this season’s award landscape is wide open.

Despite missing several games, Wirfs still has a shot at earning major accolades. His best chance hinges on returning by October 5 and dominating like he does when fully healthy.