The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been trying to battle the injury bug as they have already seen wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin suffer massive injuries that keeps them sidelined. However, Week 10’s home loss to the San Francisco 49ers was more than just a singular loss in the standings as they are now going to be without Pro Bowl left tackle Tristan Wirfs for at least the next couple of weeks. Let’s take a deeper dive into what the injury was and what it means for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers going forward as they continue to compete for one of the seven NFC playoff spots.
Tristan Wirfs Out Multiple Weeks
Left tackle Tristan Wirfs has been one of the best players for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season as he has been dominating on the edge rushers and keeping pressure off Baker Mayfield. So far this season, he has allowed six total pressures and zero QB hits in 393 pass block snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. However, the Bucs are going to be without him for multiple weeks as it is being reported by multiple outlets that Tristan Wirfs suffered an MCL sprain in his knee against the San Francisco 49ers. This is a massive blow, but also a bit of a relief as it was feared to potentially be worse when the injury occurred.
This is a massive loss for the Buccaneers going forward as losing an elite player on the offensive line means there will be more pressure going from Baker Mayfield’s blind side. As a result of this injury, expect to see Justin Skule get the start at left tackle until Wirfs is able to make it back to the field.
Can the Tampa Bay Buccaneers make the NFL Playoffs?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a long way to go if they want to turn things around and make the postseason. They are hoping that wide receiver Mike Evans will return after their bye week and could have seen the last snap of Chris Godwin’s Bucs career as he is not returning this season and is out for the remainder of the 2024 season. Heading into Monday Night Football, Tampa Bay is 12th in the NFC with a 4-6 record and need to get going if they want to make a run at one of the NFC Wild Card spots.
Below is the team’s remaining schedule:
- Week 11: BYE
- Week 12: at New York Giants
- Week 13: at Carolina Panthers
- Week 14: vs. Las Vegas Raiders
- Week 15: at Los Angeles Chargers
- Week 16: at Dallas Cowboys
- Week 17: vs. Carolina Panthers
- Week 18: vs. New Orleans Saints
Despite the injuries on the offensive side of the field, their defense has been absolutely brutal this year as they rank 28th in the National Football League with 27.0 points per game allowed. With the team not addressing this side of the ball before the trade deadline, it could be the difference between making the postseason and missing it entirely. However, the bye week could be a great sign for them as they have a soft landing and only face one current playoff team in their final seven games. This team will be healthier after the bye week and that will certainly help with their chances.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently -330 to miss the postseason while they are +255 to make the playoffs. Things do not look great for them this season to make the playoffs right now.
