Tampa Bay Buccaneers get mixed injury news in August 2025. Tristan Wirfs is progressing, but Baker Mayfield and Chris Godwin remain sidelined. Get the latest.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
A sight for sore eyes greeted Buccaneers fans Tuesday as All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs was spotted without his crutches for the first time in camp. While it's a significant step in the right direction, the celebration is on hold. Wirfs remained in street clothes, a sideline spectator alongside star receiver Chris Godwin, representing a massive chunk of the salary cap still rehabbing instead of running reps. The cautiously optimistic news was tempered by more injury concerns, creating a tense atmosphere as the preseason looms.
We expect it to be night-and-day... We expect our defense to be much improved.
The good news about Tristan Wirfs' progress was quickly balanced by a dose of reality. Not only is Chris Godwin still sidelined with his own rehab, but quarterback Baker Mayfield is now day-to-day with a sore throwing hand. While the team doesn't seem overly concerned about the QB1, any missed time for the newly-minted NFL Top 100 player is cause for concern. Adding to the medical list, promising fourth-round rookie linebacker David Walker limped off the field at a recent practice, with his status remaining uncertain. For a team with championship aspirations, the health of its stars and the development of its youth are non-negotiable.
While the training room has been busy, the practice field has been electric, particularly in the trenches. The daily one-on-one battles between newly acquired edge rusher Haason Reddick and right tackle Luke Goedeke have become must-see viewing. The high-intensity matchups are the definition of 'iron sharpens iron,' pushing both players to their limits. This is exactly the kind of competitive fire General Manager Jason Licht envisioned when he prioritized revamping the defense, expressing confidence that fans will see a 'night-and-day' improvement from last year's unit.
Even with Chris Godwin out, the offensive firepower is undeniable. The team's social media has been buzzing with highlights from the receiver room, widely considered the deepest position group on the roster. Mike Evans, as usual, has looked uncoverable, making spectacular catches on a daily basis. This embarrassment of riches at receiver only underscores the importance of getting the offense fully healthy. With a healthy line to protect him and a full complement of weapons, this offense has the potential to be one of the league's best.
Amidst the camp storylines, fans were treated to a special interview with a franchise icon. Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy joined the Pewter Report Podcast, sharing his invaluable insights on the current team, coaching philosophy, and his legendary tenure in Tampa Bay. It was a welcome dose of wisdom and nostalgia from one of the architects of the Buccaneers' winning culture, providing perspective during a tense and critical phase of the preseason.
The Bucs are a team brimming with potential but haunted by the 'what if' of injuries. While the battles in the trenches and the depth at receiver are reasons for excitement, all eyes will remain on the injury report. Getting Wirfs, Godwin, and Mayfield back to full strength before Week 1 is paramount. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the team's high expectations can truly be met when the season kicks off.
