The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter 2025 training camp with a major early concern at left tackle after Tristan Wirfs underwent knee surgery, while a crowded receiver room and new edge-rush help headline the club’s summer decisions.
Buccaneers training camp preview: Wirfs absence creates early test for Tampa Bay
SEO Title: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp 2025: Tristan Wirfs Injury, Roster Battles and Schedule
Meta Description: The Buccaneers open 2025 camp facing a likely Tristan Wirfs absence, a deep wide receiver competition and expectations for new pass rusher Haason Reddick.
Quick facts
- Rookies report to Tampa Bay on July 21, with veterans due the following day.
- Camp will be held at AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa, Florida.
- Left tackle Tristan Wirfs is expected to miss at least the first four games after knee surgery.
- Tampa Bay opens preseason play against the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 9.
- Haason Reddick joins the Bucs after a difficult 2024 season with the New York Jets.
Wirfs had surgery on July 8 and is expected to begin the regular season on the physically unable to perform list. Such a designation would keep the All-Pro tackle out for a minimum of four games.
The timing gives Tampa Bay a full camp to settle its protection plan, but replacing Wirfs will not be simple. He remains the only player in league history to earn All-Pro recognition at both right and left tackle.
Veteran Charlie Heck and undrafted rookie Benjamin Chukwuma are currently among the options on the left side. The Buccaneers could also consider moving right tackle Luke Goedeke or asking newly arrived left guard Ben Bredeson to handle tackle duties temporarily.
The issue is especially pressing because Tampa Bay starts the regular season with back-to-back road games. The defending Super Bowl champion is then due in Tampa for Week 4, a game Wirfs is also likely to miss.
The Buccaneers closed the 2024 regular season by winning six of their final seven games on the way to a fourth straight NFC South crown. Their 2025 slate finishes with six straight games against opponents that did not reach the playoffs last season.
Receiver picture remains crowded
While the offensive line searches for answers, Tampa Bay’s receiver depth chart offers a more favorable problem. Mike Evans remains the lead target, but Chris Godwin’s recovery will be closely monitored after the ankle dislocation that ended his 2024 season.
The Buccaneers are hopeful Godwin can be ready for the opener. Before the injury, he had been putting together an outstanding campaign, and his availability could affect how quickly the team finalizes its roles behind Evans.
First-round pick Emeka Egbuka, selected No. 19 overall out of Ohio State, is a candidate to work heavily from the slot. Jalen McMillan finished last season strongly and is positioned for a larger role in his second NFL campaign.
Sterling Shepard, Trey Palmer and seventh-round selection Tez Johnson add more options to a group with limited room for snaps. Godwin’s health, Egbuka’s transition and McMillan’s development should shape the competition.
Reddick brings needed pressure
Tampa Bay’s most significant offseason defensive addition was Reddick, a two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher signed to a one-year deal. The Bucs need more production off the edge after defensive tackles Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey led the team in sacks in 2024.
Reddick’s only season with the Jets was disrupted by a contract dispute that extended into the regular season. Before that campaign, however, he had posted at least 10 sacks in four consecutive years.
He now joins Todd Bowles’ aggressive defense with an opportunity to restore his production and capitalize on a fresh start. Fourth-round pick David Walker is another pass rusher to monitor after drawing praise during rookie minicamp.
Walker, from Central Arkansas, became the highest-drafted player in school history. His camp work will help determine whether he can contribute early to a front seeking more quarterback pressure.
Preseason schedule
Tampa Bay begins its preseason at home against Tennessee at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 9. The Buccaneers then travel to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, Aug. 16, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. ET.
The preseason concludes when the Buffalo Bills visit Tampa on Saturday, Aug. 23. That game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
