Bucs OT Wirfs’ Injury Status Updated

When right tackle Tristan Wirfs was carted off the field late in overtime of the Bucs’ 23-17 loss, it was a scary sight. Typically when a player needs a cart to get to the locker room, you expect the worst kind of scenario. After the game, Todd Bowles didn’t have an update outside of that it’s a leg injury.

Thankfully, a report from Ian Rapoport states that Tampa Bay’s All-Pro tackle will only miss three to four games compared to the rest of the season. As it turns out, Wirfs suffered an ankle injury in the game.

On Monday afternoon, Bowles confirmed the earlier reports about Wirfs’ ankle injury.

“He’s got a high ankle sprain,” Bowles said. “He has tolerated it, so we’ll see how he goes week-to-week.”

When asked if there was any chance that Wirfs plays against the Saints on Monday night, Bowles said no.

“I don’t think so,” Bowles said. “He’s a tough guy, but I don’t think so.”

The Bucs certainly dodged a bullet as x-rays after the game showed no broken bones. Wirfs’ left knee was also unscathed.

Wirfs Building A Great Career With Bucs

Bucs RT Tristan Wirfs – Photo by: USA Today

There’s no denying how important Wirfs is to the Bucs and what he means to the team. In his rookie year won a Super Bowl after starting the whole season despite no preseason. He became an All-Pro in his second year and solidified himself as one of the best right tackles in football while also earning a Pro Bowl nod.

The Bucs missed Wirfs in the divisional round of the playoffs against the Rams when he was out with a separate ankle injury.

In his return this season, Wirfs once again building another All-Pro season as the best offensive tackle in football. Although there’s been a ton of struggles for the Bucs with a 5-6 record, they are still in first place in the NFC South and could host a home playoff game. They’ll need Wirfs down the stretch whenever he can return.