Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a crisis as training camp opens in July 2025. All-Pro Tristan Wirfs and star Chris Godwin are sidelined with significant injuries.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The familiar buzz of training camp has returned to Tampa, but it arrived Monday with a heavy dose of bad news. Just as the Buccaneers' rookies reported to begin the 2025 campaign, the team confirmed that two of its most critical offensive players, All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs and star receiver Chris Godwin, will be sidelined to start, casting a significant shadow over the quest for a fifth straight NFC South title.
All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs played 1,014 snaps last season without allowing a single sack.
The most shocking development is the status of Tristan Wirfs. The anchor of the offensive line underwent knee surgery in early July for an issue that apparently went undetected until the offseason. The result? The 26-year-old superstar, who didn't allow a single sack across 1,014 snaps last season, is expected to miss at least the first two weeks and potentially up to a month of the regular season. He'll almost certainly begin on the PUP list, leaving a gaping hole on the blindside. The Bucs brought in veteran Charlie Heck as a potential fill-in, but replacing Wirfs' flawless protection is a monumental task.
Meanwhile, the offense will also be without its top pass-catcher. Chris Godwin, fresh off signing a three-year, $66 million extension, will not participate in camp activities as he continues rehabbing a dislocated ankle from Week 7 last year. Before the injury, Godwin was on a torrid pace, leading the NFL with 50 catches for 576 yards. While the team remains hopeful for a Week 1 return, both GM Jason Licht and Coach Todd Bowles are stressing patience, determined not to rush their star back after lessons learned from his previous recovery.
While the veterans don't arrive until Tuesday, the rookies who reported Monday are walking into a situation ripe with opportunity. Godwin's absence immediately thrusts first-round pick Emeka Egbuka into the spotlight, giving him crucial reps with the first-team offense as he battles Jalen McMillan for a starting role. The offensive line will be under a microscope as they work to build chemistry without their leader. With the first full practice on Wednesday and public sessions later in the week, all eyes will be on how the team adapts to these early setbacks.
This is hardly the start the Buccaneers envisioned. Facing a tough season opener on the road against the Atlanta Falcons on September 7, the team is already in 'next man up' mode. The upcoming preseason, starting August 9 against the Titans, has suddenly become critical for evaluating replacements and testing the offense's resilience. The road to a sixth straight postseason appearance just got a lot bumpier before a single whistle was blown.
