There’s some major injury news that could affect one of the Seattle Seahawks’ early regular season games.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, universally regarded as one of the best linemen in the NFL, is projected to start the regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Players are required to miss four games when placed on PUP and while they can use team medical and training facilities, they cannot participate in any practices.
Wirfs underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee earlier this week, according to ESPN. Multiple setbacks during offseason programs led to surgery instead of playing through it with a brace.
This is a big deal for the Buccaneers, as Wirfs is one of those super talents who’s the first player in NFL history to earn All-Pro honors at both tackle positions—he was First-Team All-Pro at right tackle in 2021 and then left tackle last season. It’s also very relevant news for the Seahawks, who host the Buccaneers in Week 5 on Oct. 5, the first week that Wirfs is eligible to make his season debut. Even if he’s activated off PUP there’s no guarantee he’ll immediately return to the field.
Tampa Bay has a high-powered offense that only got stronger with the addition of Emeka Egbuka to their wide receiver group, but that offensive line is immediately compromised with Wirfs’ absence. He’s only missed five games in his entire career and he’s seemingly on course to miss the first four of this year.