Tampa Bay Buccaneers open 2024 camp (July 23) with Tristan Wirfs & Chris Godwin on the PUP list. Get the latest on their injury status and return timelines.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The cannons may have been silent, but the news dropped like a bombshell as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened training camp for their 50th season. Hopes for a dominant start were immediately tempered, as the team placed seven players on injury and illness lists, most notably All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs and star wide receiver Chris Godwin, casting a shadow over the team's quest for a fifth straight division title.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened training camp on July 23, 2025, without seven players due to injury or illness.
The most significant blow comes on the offensive line. Tristan Wirfs, fresh off arthroscopic knee surgery, has been placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. While initially hoped to be a minor clean-up, the procedure reportedly revealed more damage than anticipated. Head coach Todd Bowles remained cagey, suggesting Wirfs could return 'sooner than later,' but the consensus is that Baker Mayfield's blindside protector will likely miss the start of the regular season, with a potential return timeline now stretching towards Week 5. The team will lean on offseason signee Charlie Heck, but general manager Jason Licht may be scouring the market for veteran help.
While not as dire, the absence of Chris Godwin is still a major storyline. Placed on the PUP list as he continues to rehab from a dislocated ankle suffered last season, Godwin is targeting a return for Week 1 or 2. While the team takes a cautious approach with their newly extended receiver, his absence creates a golden opportunity. First-round pick Emeka Egbuka will immediately get first-team reps in the slot, setting up a fascinating training camp battle with Jalen McMillan to see who can seize a larger role in new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard’s system.
The list doesn't stop with the stars. Joining Wirfs and Godwin on the PUP list are QB Michael Pratt, G Sua Opeta, and T Silas Dzansi. Additionally, LB Anthony Walker Jr. (non-football injury) and rookie DT Desmond Watson (non-football illness) are also sidelined. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations and the goal of a fifth consecutive NFC South crown, this is a sobering start. The high-powered offense envisioned under new OC Josh Grizzard is already being tested before a single meaningful snap, putting immense pressure on the team's depth from day one.
The 'next man up' philosophy will be tested immediately. All eyes will now be on the backups and rookies during the upcoming public practices on July 24 and 25. The preseason opener on August 9 against the Titans just became a critical proving ground for the team's depth. The race to get healthy for the September 7 season opener against the Falcons is officially on, and it's starting from behind.
