The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have started training camp, Vita Vea is requesting a trade, and Baker Mayfield doesn't have a new contract. Now, Tristin Wirfs is in the news.
Todd Bowles had to address Wirfs' sudden injury following practice. Luckily, it appears the Buccaneers' top offensive lineman dodged a bullet.
Todd Bowles says that Tristan Wirfs tweaked his hamstring during a running test so the team is being cautious with him.
— River Wells (@riverhwells) July 29, 2026
Interestingly enough, he says that Vita Vea ran yesterday and also tweaked something, and he says that’s the reason Vea didn’t practice. pic.twitter.com/M5NQWwoQPW
Tampa Bay Buccaneers dodge bullet with Tristin Wirfs pulled hamstring
The Buccaneers don't need more bad news, and they certainly don't need an injury. Bowles said that Wirfs "tweaked" his hamstring. The team is being cautious with him. Wirfs sat out practice, but it doesn't sound like anything serious.
Wirfs is one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL and the best on the Buccaneers' roster. His level of play and leadership is unquestioned. Should fans be concerned, even if there isn't a concern?
The answer is probably yes. With this occurring on the first day of camp during a running drill, it should be a cause for mild alarm. There are a lot of practices left between now and the start of the season. Keeping Wirfs upright is imperative.
The good news is, it wasn't anything serious. Wirfs doesn't need reps or the work to do his job. He knows how to block. Getting into football shape won't be hard for him either, but conditioning is important, and it seems he may need to work a little harder on that.
Fans will be watching his progress, however. In 2025, Wirfs missed five games. He missed the first three after having his knee scoped in the offseason. Then missed two other games. Keeping the Pro Bowl tackle on the field, yeah, that's important.
Wirfs wasn't the only player who was dinged up. Vita Vea, who asked for a trade on Tuesday, "Tweaked something," per Todd Bowles. Chances are he will miss every practice until he gets a new contract or the CBA rules kick in.
Wirfs has made the Pro Bowl each of the past five seasons, despite missing those five games. He is the anchor on the line and the lead hole for the running backs to go through.
Tampa Bay will start their preseason schedule on August 14th against the Jets. There is little chance that Wirfs plays; if he continues to deal with minor issues, he won't play the entire preseason, and that, too, is o.k.
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