Bucs Star Sidelined at Minicamp

Something that no team ever wants to deal with, regardless of when it is in the season, is an injury to a key player. Last season, for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it was receiver Chris Godwin and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. who went down and limited their respective units.

It has been reported that star left tackle Tristan Wirfs was not participating in Tuesday's minicamp. He was seen with a bulky brace on his right knee. A knee injury is always serious, but for an offensive lineman, whose whole job is based on his ability to dig in his heels and hold the line, this is an even bigger issue to keep an eye on.

Jenna Laine of ESPN shared what head coach Todd Bowles had to say about the injury and Tampa Bay's level of concern.

"He'll be fine for training camp," Bowles said. According to Bowles, he was only held out for precautionary reasons. Training camp is usually a time for young players to make a name for themselves or to get in a rhythm of being back working with their teammates. No one doubts what Wirfs is able to do when he is healthy. There's little opportunity cost lost here and, fortunately, there isn't much concern.

Wirfs, the two-time All-Pro offensive tackle, has done nothing but impress since being drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Iowa. 

The Buccaneers are poised to have a big offensive season with all of their key weapons -- Mike Evans, Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin, Cade Otton, and newcomer Emeka Egbuka -- ready to go. 

If Wirfs and his peers can go into the season healthy and keep Baker Mayfield upright, the potential for another division title is very possible.