Four key Buccaneers starters don't show up to the first day of OTAs

It's not a big deal, at all. At the same time, however, it's always good to see key players and leaders around, as much as possible. It helps set the tone for the younger guys and it's just a good display of leadership, at the end of the day.

The only time to start getting concerned about a player's absence is during mandatory minicamp and training camp: the two camps where attendance is mandatory, not voluntary. Players get fined for missing those practices, so it's something teams take seriously. Players can even lose an accrued season if they hold out under the new CBA rules, as well, which is a big deal for players either entering their fourth year, or any years prior.

In other words: If a player is skipping mandatory practices or whatever verbiage applies - they're doing it for a serious reason.

Right now, everything is voluntary. Plus, all of the above guys are in good standing when it comes to their relationship with the team. This is something worth noting, but ultimately, it should work itself out to an innocuous conclusion.

Tristan Wirfs' absence explained

Now, with all that being said, the one guy who could be missing OTAs for a specific reason is in fact Wirfs, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal. According to Fowler, Wirfs doesn't want to risk injury, so he's going to sit things out until the mandatory practices. That makes all the sense in the world considering another Pro Bowl-level year, if Wirfs plays under the last year of his rookie deal, would warrant a record-setting payday. There's a very good chance Wirfs walks away as the highest-paid offensive lineman with a preseason extension, but another elite season would wrap things up, for good.

Ko Kieft's health?

The tidbit about tight end Ko Kieft is interesting. He's probably dealing with a minor injury or the coaching staff is just easing him in to avoid aggravating something. Either way, I'm sure we'll get an update once the Bucs speak after practice. We'll update this post, then.