The New York Jets may still be a couple of months away from kicking off their 2025 campaign, but they just got some promising news that could impact an early matchup.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs underwent knee surgery on Tuesday, July 8. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, doctors discovered “additional minor damage” during the procedure.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Wirfs is “likely to start the season on the physically unable to perform list.” If that happens, he’ll be sidelined for at least the first four games of the season — including Week 3, when the Jets are set to face the Buccaneers on September 21.
“It’s a big blow for the Bucs. Wirfs protects the blind side of quarterback Baker Mayfield, one of his closest friends on the team. The Bucs signed 49ers free agent left tackle Charlie Heck, who is likely to replace Wirfs to start the season,” Stroud explained on X (formerly Twitter).
“The Bucs improved from last to fourth overall in rushing last season. Wirfs was limited in OTAs and minicamp and wore a brace on his right knee.”
Big News for Gang Green Fans
Wirfs, 26, has been a rock on the offensive line since being drafted 13th overall by Tampa Bay in 2020. He’s already racked up four straight Pro Bowl appearances and earned All-Pro honors in three of his first five seasons — including two First-Team nods in 2021 and 2024.
He’s started 79 games and shifted from right tackle to left over the past two seasons — showing elite versatility. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s been recognized as one of the few players to be named All-Pro at two different offensive line positions.
But There’s a Major Drop-Off
With Wirfs out, Charlie Heck is expected to start in his place. The 28-year-old has played in 50 games and started 23 across five seasons, but he’s never started more than four games in a single season — until now.
The difference between the two players is stark. Last season, Wirfs led the NFL in pass-blocking with a 93.7 PFF grade. Heck? He posted a 47.8 grade, ranking 115th out of 140 eligible tackles.
“Over the past five seasons — since Tampa Bay drafted Wirfs in the first round — there are only five seasons where an offensive tackle played more than 300 pass-blocking snaps and allowed pressure on less than 2% of pass plays. Two of those belong to Andrew Whitworth and Lane Johnson, while the other three were courtesy of Wirfs,” Zoltán Buday of PFF noted.
Bottom Line?
With Wirfs likely sidelined, the Jets have a clear advantage in the trenches heading into their Week 3 clash — and every small edge matters when the season kicks off.
