Bucs' Wirfs to Miss Start of 2025 Season

Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs will miss the start of the 2025 NFL season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, with additional damage discovered during the procedure. Wirfs, a multiple-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro, is expected to begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, sidelining him for at least four games. His absence is a significant setback for Tampa Bay’s offensive line and could affect the team's dominance in the NFC South. Charlie Heck, a recent free-agent signing, is expected to fill in at left tackle while Wirfs recovers. The situation may provide an early opening for rivals like the New Orleans Saints to gain momentum in the division. There is optimism that Wirfs will return for key divisional games later in the season.