Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said the reason for Wirfs sitting out Tuesday’s practice was precautionary and that the injury was sustained in the offseason. Bowles added that Wirfs will be ‘fine in training camp.’ Wirfs, who is a two-time All-Pro, is entering his sixth season with the Buccaneers. PFF ranked Wirfs as the NFL’s second-best offensive tackle ahead of the 2025 season.

Wirfs has been a limited practice participant for six straight practices. He was unable to play in Week 12 after initially being labeled as doubtful. The team closed Week 13 practices by upgrading him to questionable, so he appears to be progressing in his rehabilitation process despite the practice participation stagnation. Hopefully, the Bucs will get their LT back this week. OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (ankle) is doubtful.

Wirfs is reportedly dealing with both a foot injury and an MCL sprain so the team may require him to resume practicing in full before keeping him active on game day. This is a step in the right direction for the talented blocker though.

The Buccaneers’ bye week could not come at a better time. The week off will give Wirfs some time to recover without the risk of missing an extra game, and the team is still holding out hope that Mike Evans (hamstring) can return in Week 12 after the bye. Wirfs will likely miss a game or two, but it seems unlikely the team will place him on injured reserve. Still, it’s a massive loss for the Buccaneers, who will likely replace him with veteran backup Justin Skule, who replaced him on Sunday.