Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs likely to miss start of 2025 NFL season

The Buccaneers may have to start the 2025 NFL season without one of their key pillars in the trenches.

Tristan Wirfs, the All-Pro offensive lineman, underwent surgery on his right knee Tuesday and is now expected to open the campaign on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

Although Wirfs missed only a single game last season, he was frequently hampered by knee trouble. That lingering issue flared up again this offseason, limiting him to light work during OTAs and minicamp while he donned a knee brace.

Tuesday's procedure, initially planned as a routine arthroscopy, revealed additional minor damage that required attention, per reports.

If placed on the PUP list to begin the year, Wirfs would be sidelined for at least the first four games—dealing an early blow to Tampa Bay’s offensive line stability.

Tristan Wirfs carved his name into the record books last season, becoming the first offensive lineman in NFL history to earn First-Team All-Pro nods at both left and right tackle over the course of his career.

A cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s offensive line since being drafted in the first round back in 2020, Wirfs owns four All-Pro selections and a Super Bowl ring from his rookie campaign. Despite nursing a nagging knee issue, he gutted through 16 starts in 2024 and earned his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl nod.

After battling setbacks throughout the offseason, while sporting a knee brace, Wirfs finally chose to go under the knife rather than continue pushing through the pain. His decision was first reported by the Tampa Bay Times on Wednesday.

Now 26, Wirfs has logged 79 career starts without missing a beat for the Buccaneers, but that ironman streak will likely pause to begin 2025. If Wirfs lands on the PUP list to start the season, he'll be sidelined for at least the first four games.

With Wirfs on the mend, Charlie Heck is the frontrunner to step in at left tackle when the season kicks off.

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay is ushering in another new era on offense. With former offensive coordinator Liam Coen departing to coach the Jaguars, Josh Grizzard has been promoted to take the reins under head coach Todd Bowles, marking yet another shift in direction for the Bucs' playbook.