Ugent Call: Replacement Options for Injured Tristan Wirfs the Bucs Need Immediately
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing a significant challenge on their offensive line following the injury to star left tackle Tristan Wirfs. With the Super Bowl MVP quarterback, Tom Brady, relying on strong protection, the Bucs are scrambling to find a suitable replacement.
Charlie Heck, a veteran offensive tackle with 24 career NFL starts, is currently listed as the most likely in-house replacement for Wirfs. However, Heck's recent performances have raised concerns, particularly his run-blocking grades which ranked No. 134 out of 140 qualifying offensive tackles by Pro Football Focus in 2024.
An undrafted rookie, Ben Chukwuma, is also on the roster but is not considered a likely starter, given Heck’s veteran status. The team would likely only turn to Chukwuma if Heck falters.
The Bucs are desperately hoping it doesn't come to calling Geron Christian, a journeyman tackle who has primarily been a swing tackle throughout his career and hasn't seen meaningful action since his first Cleveland stint in 2023. Ifedi, another veteran option, could be a stopgap solution, but his recent performance with the struggling Cleveland Browns offensive line raises questions about his effectiveness.
If the Bucs call Christian, they may hope Wirfs' recovery timeline is short. The team is likely to monitor how Heck performs in practice and may still seek to add a veteran from outside the organization depending on his readiness.
Donovan Smith, the former Bucs left tackle who protected Tom Brady during the team’s Super Bowl run, is currently unsigned and could be a potential reunion candidate if Tampa Bay wants more experience at the position. Jedrick Wills Jr., although not currently rostered, has stated he would like time to fully recover before returning to the field, which may make him a less immediate option.
If Wirfs is placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, he would miss at least the first four games of the season, increasing the urgency for a reliable replacement. The Bucs are likely to prioritize stability, whether through roster options or by seeking a proven veteran, to protect quarterback Baker Mayfield, who relies on Wirfs' protection on his blind side.
A summary table of possible replacements for Tristan Wirfs includes Charlie Heck, Ben Chukwuma, Donovan Smith, Jedrick Wills Jr., Germain Ifedi, and Geron Christian. The Bucs' decision will have major implications for Baker Mayfield’s protection and the team’s early-season prospects.
Charlie Heck, the in-house option with 24 career NFL starts, is currently listed as the most likely replacement for injured left tackle Tristan Wirfs. However, Heck's recent performances, particularly his run-blocking grades, have raised concerns, making the Bucs desperate to find a more reliable solution in American football, such as Donovan Smith, a former Bucs left tackle who protected Tom Brady during their Super Bowl run.
