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Houston Texans' early season test just got a lot easier following latest injury update on All-Pro player

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Nick Roesch | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 4:13 PM ET

The Houston Texans have an early season marquee matchup in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football.

That will be the Texans' 2025 home opener, and the game just got a lot easier following some unfortunate news that broke on Wednesday. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs will very likely miss the first few games of the regular season after undergoing knee surgery this past week.

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…
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) July 9, 2025

That is a major blow for Tampa Bay. Wirfs is one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL, and left tackle is obviously a crucial position. It especially hurts for the Bucs in their matchup against the Texans, who have one of the most intimidating defensive lines in the league.

Houston finished fourth in the NFL in sacks during the 2024 season with 49. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter make up one of the best pash rushing duos in the NFL, registering a combined 33 sacks last season. Defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr. is a force up the middle, and Derek Barnett and Denico Autry are solid rotational edge rushers.

As for who the Texans could face with Wirfs out of the lineup, it will likely be Charlie Heck, but don't count out rookie Ben Chukwuma. Regardless of who they face, it will be a golden opportunity for Houston's defense to take advantage of a decisive mismatch.

The Texans kick off the regular season on the road against the Los Angeles Rams. After facing the Bucs at home in Week 2, they will travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars on a short week. That's a bit of a daunting start for the Texans in 2025, but if they can get through it with at least a 2-1 record, it will be considered a success.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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