Todd Bowles Issues Readiness Report On Tristan Wirfs
August 26th, 2026
Will Graham Barton make it a second year in a row opening the season at left tackle?
What a scary but comforting thought — because watching fourth-string left tackle Paul Rubelt fill in for Wirfs over the past week because of injuries has cost Joe several nights of sleep.
The Bucs have multiple injuries at the position, so returning Wirfs to his post is beyond critical.
Joe can assure fans that the emergency Barton route is not completely farfetched as of today, if Wirfs can’t get back on the field.
However, Wirfs took about 8 snaps with the first-team offense yesterday against the Jaguars in full pads. It was his first significant work of the summer. It was very encouraging and Joe watched Wirfs march right after practice into the Jaguars’ indoor weight room with teammates. He was attacking the weights and didn’t head for any treatment on his mending hamstring.
Today’s practice was underwear football, so no hitting allowed.
Todd Bowles uplifted Joe’s spirits after practice when addressing Wirfs’ status.
“He’s definitely getting better and is on the mend,” Bowles said of Wirfs. “I think in another week he should be ready to go.”
Wirfs also said today that he’s on track to be on the field for Week 1.
Kickoff at Cincinnati is in 18 short days.
August 26th, 2026 at 1:31 pm
OMG! Thats great news because obviously, the Oline falls apart without TW.
August 26th, 2026 at 1:35 pm
Hopefultt Wirfs will be ready to go because apparently, they fall apart without him.
August 26th, 2026 at 1:53 pm
If Bowles plays Barton at left tackle in week one, they should fire him. That bonehead decision put the offensive line in disarray all last season. It stalled Barton’s development and possibly led to more injuries as nearly all the linemen were placed in unfamiliar positions and situations.
Chukwuma did fine at the close of last season, anyway. I have not heard him mentioned lately.
August 26th, 2026 at 2:02 pm
Bring back D. Smith… only half joking
August 26th, 2026 at 2:09 pm
NOPE!!! EVERYBODY PLAYS, GAME 1!
Unless its real serious….game 1 and cinci is no joke…we can win it, but we need EVERYBODY!
August 26th, 2026 at 2:19 pm
Any updates on EE or McMilian? They’ve been out, what close to 3 weeks now?
August 26th, 2026 at 2:26 pm
Wirfs seems to have a never-ending knee “situation”. He’s great…but his tradjectory is down a bit when an O-lineman at this age should be ascending.
Paid a lot early…sounds good in theory…
August 26th, 2026 at 2:29 pm
I think this teams injury management is questionable at best. With the longer season, I think preseason practices should be minimal on contact.
These guys are professionals right? We know who the starters are mostly right?
Save time for the season- this crap happens every year.
More than two preseason games is criminal. Shame on the NFL
August 26th, 2026 at 2:35 pm
i would also like to hear more about EE2 and Jmac…
are they on track for week1?…turf toe can linger all year…so can a groin
Hurst may be called and relied upon sooner than expected
GO BUCS!!!!!
August 26th, 2026 at 2:46 pm
Also wondering the status of EE and J-mac.
2 of our top 3 WRs missing a lot of reps…. May be good for Ted and others but can’t be a good thing for the offense as a whole.
August 26th, 2026 at 2:52 pm
There used to be six preseason games wild the world sure has gotten soft.
August 26th, 2026 at 2:52 pm
Yes Joe any updates on J Mac and Ebeuka?
August 26th, 2026 at 2:53 pm
And also Tez?
August 26th, 2026 at 4:03 pm
@Outrigger: I didn’t go back and look for it but I think I read that Tez was targeted in practice yesterday…so I think he’s back.
August 26th, 2026 at 4:10 pm
@Outrigger again: Ok – I had to stop and go get a beer…I went back and looked. Under Joe’s post for the two minute drill yesterday is this snippet:
Now it’s time for the Bucs offense:
*Mayfield throws complete short to Tez Johnson
August 26th, 2026 at 4:51 pm
What’s happening with Skule and Chukwuma?
I don’t like an UDFA from Germany protecting Baker.