The Bucs' 2024 season starts with a blow as Tristan Wirfs and Chris Godwin land on the PUP list on July 22, casting doubt on their Week 1 availability.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The cannons weren't the only things making noise as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reported for training camp. The team delivered a bombshell on Tuesday, placing All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs and star receiver Chris Godwin on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, casting a significant shadow over the start of their 50th anniversary season.
Head coach Todd Bowles did not rule out Wirfs missing the start of the season, but said he expects him back 'sooner than later.'
The news surrounding Tristan Wirfs is particularly concerning. After undergoing knee surgery in July, it was revealed the damage was more extensive than initially believed, making it likely the All-Pro tackle will miss the start of the regular season, with some projections keeping him out until Week 5. Meanwhile, Chris Godwin's recovery from a dislocated ankle suffered last October is progressing slower than hoped. The duo headlines a list of seven players who will miss the start of camp, joined by OT Silas Dzansi (knee), G Sua Opeta (knee), QB Michael Pratt (undisclosed), LB Anthony Walker Jr. (non-football injury), and NT Desmond Watson (non-football illness).
With two offensive pillars sidelined, the team's depth will be tested immediately under new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard. The offensive line, a key focus for Grizzard, now has a massive hole to fill. At wide receiver, the door is wide open for first-round pick Emeka Egbuka to make an immediate impact in the slot. Alongside veteran stalwart Mike Evans, Egbuka will compete for targets in a deep room that includes Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard, Trey Palmer, and Tez Johnson. Godwin's absence creates a crucial opportunity for one of these players to step up and solidify their role.
While the injury report stings, the biggest offseason splash remains a major source of optimism. The arrival of two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Haason Reddick provides a much-needed jolt to the pass rush. After a down year with the Jets, Reddick is motivated to return to form and provide the elite edge presence the Bucs lacked last season, which forced defensive tackles Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey to carry the load. His ability to generate pressure will be critical as Tampa Bay aims for an unprecedented fifth consecutive NFC South title.
With seven players sidelined, the start to the Bucs' 50th season is far from ideal. All eyes will be on the first official practice on July 23 to see how the offensive line shuffles and which receivers begin to emerge from the pack. The road to a fifth straight division crown just got bumpier, but the journey officially begins now.
