The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed starting right tackle Luke Goedeke on injured reserve on Thursday due to a foot injury, dealing another blow to an offensive line already reeling from multiple absences. Goedeke, who signed a four-year, $90 million extension earlier this month, must miss at least four games under IR rules but is expected to return later this season.
What Happened To Luke Goedeke?
Goedeke attempted to play through a foot issue during Monday night’s game at Houston but exited after just 12 snaps and did not return. He was seen in the Bucs’ locker room Thursday using a mobility scooter, highlighting the severity of the injury and confirming the need for an IR stint.
The team clarified that the designation guarantees a minimum four-game absence. Beyond that, there is cautious optimism that Goedeke will be back before the season’s end.
The #Bucs are placing RT Luke Goedeke on IR with a foot injury, sidelining him for at least four games.
This comes on top of losing Cody Mauch for the season and still not having LT Tristan Wirfs on the field.
Brutal stretch for Tampa’s offensive line. https://t.co/ePq3m60XWX pic.twitter.com/TBVvciVlC8
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 18, 2025
The right tackle has been a stabilizing presence for Tampa Bay, and his absence further complicates protection for quarterback Baker Mayfield as the Buccaneers navigate the early season. Goedeke had started every game to open the year and had been managing the injury through practice limitations before Monday’s aggravation. The Buccaneers will now turn to depth options and recent additions to hold down the right side until Goedeke is cleared to return.
Buccaneers Hit With Series of Fresh Injuries
Goedeke’s move to IR came the same day the Buccaneers also placed starting right guard Cody Mauch on injured reserve with a knee injury that will require surgery. Mauch is expected to miss the remainder of the season, according to multiple reports. With both Goedeke and Mauch sidelined, the right side of Tampa Bay’s line will be out for the foreseeable future, forcing the club into immediate roster adjustments.
Here’s the play the knocked Luke Goedeke out in the first quarter. He’s already done for the night. pic.twitter.com/gccoycriEQ
— Josh Hill (@jdavhill) September 15, 2025
Complicating matters further, All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs remains sidelined as he works back from arthroscopic knee surgery performed in July. In Wirfs’ absence, Tampa Bay previously shuffled its line, including using Graham Barton at left tackle and Ben Bredeson on the interior, according to team and beat reports..
To fortify depth, Tampa Bay signed veteran interior lineman Dan Feeney off the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad and promoted tackle Luke Haggard from its own practice squad. The team also signed guard Sua Opeta to the practice squad.
The Buccaneers’ path forward will hinge on rapid cohesion among new combinations, particularly on the right side, where both starters are out. While the expectation is that Goedeke will return later this season, Tampa Bay must weather a critical stretch with a reconfigured unit. With injuries piling up across key positions and the schedule tightening, the Buccaneers’ offensive line depth will be under the microscope to keep the offense moving until reinforcements arrive.
