Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Tristan Wirfs underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and will miss the start of the 2025 NFL season, according to multiple reports.
Wirfs reportedly had lingering soreness in his knee that wouldn't clear up, so the team decided to address the situation now, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
It's a tough blow to the Buccaneers, who will now open the 2025 season without arguably their best offensive player. It's impossible to overstate Wirfs' importance to the team. The 26-year-old is a four-time Pro Bowler who is coming off his second All-Pro season. He ranked as the [ninth overall tackle](https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/tristan-wirfs/64818) in 2024, per PFF's metrics, and was the top pass-blocking tackle in the NFL.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The team hasn't played many games without Wirfs since he entered the NFL in 2020. He's missed just four total games over his five-year career.
Adjusting to life without Wirfs could prove difficult, especially for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Having a reliable left tackle like Wirfs protecting the blind side has undoubtedly played a role in Mayfield's resurgence with the Buccaneers. Since joining the team, Mayfield has thrown 69 touchdowns against 26 interceptions over two seasons. He's made Pro Bowl appearances in both seasons.
Mayfield deserves plenty of credit for getting his career back on track, though it probably helps that he's had an All-Pro holding things down in the most important position on the offensive line.
Advertisement
Advertisement
After winning the NFC South in each of the past four seasons, the Bucs will once again enter the year with playoff aspirations. The team will be tested early, as it'll take on the division-rival Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 and the similarly strong Houston Texans in Week 2.
Wirfs is unlikely to play in either contest based on Schefter's report, making it essential for the Bucs to find a way to operate at a high level on offense right away without Wirfs.