The Tampa Bay Buccaneers thought they had dodged a bullet when Tristan Wirfs missed just one game during the 2024 season after injuring his right knee. Now, weeks before training camp, that same knee has become a season-altering problem that will force Tampa Bay to completely rethink their offensive line plans.
How Long Will Tristan Wirfs Miss the 2025 Season?
What started as a manageable injury has turned into a major setback for both Wirfs and the Buccaneers.
The All-Pro left tackle aggravated his right knee injury during the offseason, leading to surgery on Tuesday that will sideline him for the start of the 2025 campaign.
The Bucs will start the season without All Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who underwent surgery on his right knee Tuesday and will likely miss at least the first couple games of the regular season. Wirfs aggravated a right knee injury in the offseaon that forced him to miss only…
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) July 9, 2025
Buccaneers insider Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reported that Tampa Bay expects to place Wirfs on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. If Wirfs remains on the PUP list when rosters are finalized, he’ll be forced to miss at least the first four games of the season.
This news hits hard for Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers, who are riding high after capturing their fourth consecutive NFC South title and have big expectations for the upcoming season.
Who Will Replace Wirfs on the Buccaneers’ Offensive Line?
The timing couldn’t be worse for losing a player many consider the most valuable on the roster. Wirfs anchored a Buccaneers team that transformed its rushing attack from league-worst in 2023 to fifth-best in 2024. While running back Bucky Irving’s breakout season played a major role in that turnaround, the offensive line’s improvement was equally crucial.
According to PFSN’s metrics, the Buccaneers boasted the third-best offensive line in 2024, with Wirfs leading the way. No lineman graded higher than him in pass protection, cementing his status as one of football’s most impactful offensive linemen. Now Tampa Bay must find a way to replace their 13th overall pick from 2020Â as they open the season.
Charlie Heck will step into the spotlight as Wirfs’ replacement. The left tackle signed a one-year, $1.6 million contract with the Buccaneers this offseason and is expected to protect Mayfield’s blind side while Wirfs recovers.
Heck brings NFL experience to the role after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. He appeared in 35 games over four seasons in Houston before spending 2024 split between the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers, playing in nine games total.
The veteran will now take over for the two-time All-Pro and Super Bowl champion as the Buccaneers chase their fifth straight division title.
The early schedule will test Tampa Bay’s depth immediately. They open the season on the road against Atlanta and Houston before returning home in Week 3 to face the New York Jets.
Week 4 presents the biggest challenge, with defending Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles visiting Tampa Bay in what will serve as the offensive line’s most demanding test.
Despite the setback, the Buccaneers enter 2025 with high expectations. PFSN‘s metrics rank them as having the third-best offense in the NFL heading into the season. However, without Wirfs anchoring the line, Mayfield and the offense will face an uphill battle from the start.
The Buccaneers remain a dangerous team even without their star tackle, but their performance in those opening weeks without Wirfs will determine whether they’re playing catch-up by Week 5 or beyond. How well Heck and the revamped offensive line protect Mayfield could make or break Tampa Bay’s championship aspirations before they truly get started.
