The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a rough night on Sunday, losing to a team that stood no chance. The 24-20 loss to the Saints pushed them to a disappointing 7-6 record. But ahead of the next matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, the Buccaneers’ offensive line picture for Week 15 just got a big update. It involves star offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs. Will he return?

“[Wirfs] looked to be practicing as normal today,” Fox Sports’ Greg Auman wrote on X. “Think he’s in position to play Thursday.”

Auman has shared a new update on Wirfs, who sat out Sunday’s game because of an oblique injury. The reporter noted that the tackle showed up for practice in a limited capacity on Monday and might make a comeback. The injury took place during the game against the Arizona Cardinals, limiting his practice time. 

Last week, Wirfs’ only practice of the week was a limited one on Friday before the team listed him as questionable and then ruled him out. Now, we’re yet to see if the 26-year-old can return for the Thursday night showdown. The good news? The Buccaneers still have two more practice sessions before the game, giving Wirfs a decent time to prepare. 

The player already missed the first three matchups of the season to recover from knee surgery. Tristan Wirfs has played the last nine contests since his return and only missed the last one against the New Orleans Saints. During his absence, center Graham Barton filled in for him at left tackle, while Ben Bredeson moved over from left guard. Additionally, the team kept offensive tackle Charlie Heck as the backup option. But Wirfs’ update isn’t the only storyline this week. 

Mike Evans nears long-awaited return

It seems like the Buccaneers are about to get their wide receiver, Mike Evans, back soon. He hasn’t stepped on the field since Week 7 after breaking his collarbone. While Evans’ 21-day practice window opened last week, the franchise kept him out after three limited sessions. But this week, he may finally return after a long absence to lock horns with the Falcons in Week 15. On Monday, head coach Todd Bowles revealed that both Evans and Wirfs are officially “in play” for the upcoming matchup. 

“Short week but they did not play (Sunday) so we will continue to work them in and we will see where we are on Wednesday,” he said, per Buccaneers reporter Brianna Dix. 

Despite the short week and initial concern about his timeline, Bowles’ statement gives fans serious hope. Monday’s session marked Evans’ fourth straight limited session, and the team would like to see him log at least one full practice before the game. Now, the Buccaneers will release two more injury reports on Tuesday and Wednesday, which will give more clarity.

Top Stories

NFL Openly Admits Robbing Ravens Against Steelers as John Harbaugh Drops Update on Travis Jones Penalty

J. J. Watt Confirms Stance on Controversial R. J. Mickens Incident in Chargers vs Eagles

Andy Reid Announces Chiefs’ Change After Wanya Morris Suffers Season-Ending Injury

Zac Taylor Breaks Silence on Jermaine Burton’s Release After Bengals Suspended 2024 3rd-Round Pick

Who are Philip Rivers’ Kids and Grandkids? All About his ten children

Yet, the final decision may not come until the last moment. Whatever the case, the chances of seeing him suit up are looking better than they have in weeks.