Tristan Wirfs suffered an injury before Buccaneers training camp even began and it could keep him out for a bit
This is the second training camp in a row where Buccaneers star tackle Tristan Wirfs isn’t practicing on Day 1 and it’s unclear when he’ll return.
The biggest goal for any NFL team is to come out of training camp healthy and unfortunately, Tampa Bay Buccaneers star tackle Tristan Wirfs is already dealing with a tough injury.
Per Todd Bowles, Wirfs tweaked his hamstring during some running drills that were conducted on Wednesday. It’s a tough break for Tristan Wirfs, as he missed five games due to injury in 2025 after spending last offseason recovering from knee surgery.
“He tweaked [his hamstring] in the running test, so we left him inside to get treatment,” said Bowles. “Right now, I’m not sure (when he’ll return). I’ll know more today. I would hope it’s not long, but we’ll see.”
While Wirfs is expected back at some point, it’s not great news. I mean, any time a star player goes down, regardless of the type of injury, it’s a setback. It also doesn’t create any sense of comfort for the Buccaneers when considering fact Tristan Wirfs is dealing with a soft tissue injury.
Vita Vea also tweaked something during Tuesday’s tests
Bowles later clarified Vita Vea tweaked his back during Tuesday’s tests and he’s considered day-to-day. It adds an intriguing layer to his hold-in, as it’s fair to wonder if he’d be practicing without the injury.
Bowles also mentioned the team has had zero discussions about trading Vea.
“We have not even discussed it,” said Bowles. “We don’t let the outside noise affect what we’re doing right now. We’re getting ready for camp. We’re trying to build camaraderie and chemistry, and we’re getting ready each day, and that’s all we do.”
Obviously, Vea requested a trade earlier in the week, setting the tone for a potential, and likely, hold-in. He reported to camp with the rest of the veterans on Wednesday, but was on the sidelines for Thursday’s first practice.
We’ll definitely monitor this over the coming days.
Buccaneers should carry two swing tackles on the roster after Tristan Wirfs injury
I’ve discussed this in the past – I think the Buccaneers will carry two swing tackles on the final roster when it’s all said and done and Wednesday’s news furthers that belief.
Let’s be real for a second: In terms of health, the past year hasn’t been kind to Tristan Wirfs. He missed the most time he’s ever missed in a single season last year and now he’s out for the start of training camp. And again, this is a soft tissue injury. We all know how tricky and fickle they can be and who knows if it lingers into the regular season.
That, added with the fact starting right tackle Luke Goedeke has missed multiple games over the last two seasons, is plenty of reason enough to carry both Ben Chukwuma and Justin Skule on the 53-man roster.
It’s also because both players are capable of filling in for a pinch. Sure, you don’t want either starting a full slate of 17 games, but both guys can provide effective spot duty. That will help the Buccaneers in a major way if Tristan Wirfs or Luke Goedeke (or both) suffer an injury at some point during the season.
Either way, we’ll have to wait and see just how long Wirfs, and Vea I guess, miss time during training camp.