The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are experiencing some unexpected turbulence ahead of the 2025 season. All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs will miss the start of the season after undergoing surgery on his right knee, according to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones.

The NFL's new Protector of the Year award is set to go to the NFL's best offensive lineman, with the league finally giving the trenches some love with a new annual award. Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs, an All-Pro in 2024, was initially one of the frontrunners for the award — but that's changed after Wednesday's news.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs had surgery on his right knee on Tuesday and is expected to start the season on the sideline, a person with knowledge of his injury told The Associated Press.