Former 49ers swing tackle Charlie Heck, signed during free agency, is likely to replace Tristan Wirfs to start the season. [\u00a0RICK SCUTERI | AP\u00a0]<\/p>\n
The Bucs lost swing tackle Justin Skule, who signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Vikings during free agency. Minnesota left tackle Christian Darrisaw is expected to miss the first four games of the season, creating an opportunity for Skule.<\/p>\n
Skule started five games last season for the Bucs, including four at right tackle when starter Luke Goedeke was out with a concussion.<\/p>\n
Wirfs, 26, was the team\u2019s first-round pick (13th overall) out of Iowa in 2020 and immediately helped the Bucs and Tom Brady win Super Bowl 55.<\/p>\n
Wirfs was selected for four consecutive Pro Bowls and was named first team All-Pro at both right tackle (2021) and left tackle (2024).<\/p>\n
Wirfs was limited at last month\u2019s mandatory minicamp and wore a brace on his right knee. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s precautionary. It\u2019s the offseason,\u201d head coach Todd Bowles said then. \u201dHe\u2019ll be fine in training camp.”<\/p>\n
Bucs left tackle Tristan Wirfs, right, wore a brace on his right knee during mandatory minicamp last month at AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa. [\u00a0JEFFEREE WOO | Times\u00a0]<\/p>\n
But Wirfs\u2019 knee didn\u2019t improve, and he underwent arthroscopic surgery Tuesday. During the procedure, some more damage was detected and repaired.<\/p>\n
Instead of missing all of training camp and the preseason, Wirfs now won\u2019t be available for games Sept. 7 at Atlanta and Sept. 15 at Houston to start the season \u2014 if not more. <\/p>\n
The Bucs were swept by the Falcons last season and needed a win over the Saints in the final game of the regular season to clinch a fourth straight NFC South title. <\/p>\n
Wirfs was spectacular last season. He did not allow sack and permitted only one quarterback hit over 1,014 snaps in pass protection. His pressure allowed rate of 1.9% on pass plays was the lowest among offensive tackles. <\/p>\n
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Want more of our free, weekly newsletters\u00a0in\u00a0your\u00a0inbox? Let\u2019s\u00a0get\u00a0started.<\/strong><\/p>\n Explore all your options<\/a><\/p>\n The Bucs signed Heck to be their swing tackle, not expecting him to have to replace Wirfs for at least the first two games. They also gave undrafted free agent Benjamin Chukwuma a league-high $55,000 signing bonus, and he may factor into the equation.<\/p>\n With Mayfield at the helm, the Bucs started each of the past two seasons with a 3-1 record. Without Wirfs, that might be hard to duplicate. <\/p>\n \u2022 \u2022 \u2022<\/p>\n Sign up for our Sports Today newsletter<\/a> to get daily updates on the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and college football across Florida.<\/p>\n Every weekday, tune into our Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast<\/a> to hear reporter Rick Stroud break down the biggest stories in Tampa Bay sports.<\/p>\n Never miss out on the latest with your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams. Follow our coverage on X<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n