Will Graham Barton make it a second year in a row opening the season at left tackle?
What a scary but comforting thought — because watching fourth-string left tackle Paul Rubelt fill in for Wirfs over the past week because of injuries has cost Joe several nights of sleep.
The Bucs have multiple injuries at the position, so returning Wirfs to his post is beyond critical.
Joe can assure fans that the emergency Barton route is not completely farfetched as of today, if Wirfs can’t get back on the field.
However, Wirfs took about 8 snaps with the first-team offense yesterday against the Jaguars in full pads. It was his first significant work of the summer. It was very encouraging and Joe watched Wirfs march right after practice into the Jaguars’ indoor weight room with teammates. He was attacking the weights and didn’t head for any treatment on his mending hamstring.
Today’s practice was underwear football, so no hitting allowed.
Todd Bowles uplifted Joe’s spirits after practice when addressing Wirfs’ status.
“He’s definitely getting better and is on the mend,” Bowles said of Wirfs. “I think in another week he should be ready to go.”
Wirfs also said today that he’s on track to be on the field for Week 1.
Kickoff at Cincinnati is in 18 short days.