The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering training camp with two key players on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Two-time All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs and Pro Bowler wide receiver Chris Godwin were placed on the active/PUP list Tuesday, just before the start of practice.
Both will be able to attend meetings, receive medical treatment, and work at the facility, but will not be able to train until they are medically cleared.
What’s up with Tristan Wirfs?
Wirfs had already raised concerns by not participating in June’s mandatory minicamp, appearing on the sideline with a splint on his right knee. At the time, Todd Bowles described it as a precautionary measure, but in July he underwent arthroscopic surgery that revealed more damage than expected.
- According to sources close to the team, he will “likely” miss the start of the regular season.
- Tampa Bay signed Charlie Heck as a swing tackle to provide depth, although Wirfs’ loss is a significant blow to Baker Mayfield’s defense.
Chris Godwin, still recovering
Godwin’s situation is different but equally delicate. After dislocating his left ankle in Week 7 of 2024, he underwent surgery that best predicted his return would be in the playoffs. Although Jason Licht was confident in having him back for Week 1 in April, the receiver also didn’t participate in OTAs or minicamp, not even working individually with the medical staff on the field.
- This spring, he underwent another minor procedure to “clean up” his ankle, something that was planned as part of his recovery.
- The team insists that he’s “doing well,” but his status for September remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, rookie Emeka Egbuka has taken over Godwin’s role during training camp. The first-round pick has impressed the staff and Baker Mayfield:
“We can put him at any receiver position, and he understands the system. He doesn’t look like a rookie; he acts like a pro,” the QB emphasized.
What it means to be on the PUP list
Being on the active PUP list, Wirfs and Godwin:
✅ They count towards the 90-player Training Camp limit.
✅ They can be activated at any time before or during the preseason.
❌ They cannot train or play until they are medically cleared.
The key will come with final roster cuts. If any of them are still injured at the end of preseason, they’ll be placed on the PUP reserve list, which would require them to miss at least the first four weeks of the regular season. For now, Tristan Wirfs and Chris Godwin are on PUP.
Other movements in nursing
In addition to Wirfs and Godwin, the Buccaneers placed on the active/PUP list:
- OT Silas Dzansi
- OG Sua Opeta
- QB Michael Pratt
Also, linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. is on the non-football injury list, and rookie nose tackle Desmond Watson is on the non-football illness list.
An uncertain start
Tampa Bay will begin official practices this Wednesday, July 23, with their sights set on opening day against the Atlanta Falcons on September 7. But the health of two of their offensive stars adds questions to a roster seeking its fifth consecutive division title.
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This article was translated from it’s original form in Spanish to English via META AI.
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