Tristan Wirfs is not expected to play in Week 14 against the Saints

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers snapped a three-game losing streak with a 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13. Tampa Bay maintained a slim lead in the NFC South with a win over Arizona. Baker Mayfield suffered a shoulder injury and Bucky Irving is back, helping the Bucs get back into the win column.

Despite being outplayed by the Cardinals, Tampa Bay did enough to earn a solid win. Now the Buccaneers face another NFC cellar dweller as the team hosts the New Orleans Saints in Week 14. But Tampa Bay probably will be without a key offensive contributor.

Tristan Wirfs is listed as questionable for the deadlift competition. However, the All-Pro left tackle is not expected to play against the Saints, “barring a surprise,” according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

The Buccaneers were hit by the unexpected absence of Tristan Wirfs

Wirfs’ absence would be a big blow to the Buccaneers. The four-time Pro Bowler was a surprising addition to the injury report after finishing Week 13 without any apparent discomfort. Now, he’s expected to disappear immediately after turning into a threat in the red zone.

Wirfs contributed a big man touchdown against the Cardinals, he dropped the first catch of his career. The two-yard TD put the Bucs up 10-0 before halftime.

All-Pro tackles are eligible. Tristan Wirfs with his first career TD. pic.tvitter.com/MtKHrvdEGB

— Mike Substance (@MikeGarflohle) November 30, 2025

The former first-round pick sat out the first three games of the season after knee surgery. Now it appears that Tampa Bay will once again be without a star offensive lineman.

In addition to Wirfs, Mike Evans and Jalen McMillian will sit out Sunday’s game with the Saints. Both wideouts returned to practice this week. Evans has not played since Week 7 and McMillian has yet to play this season.

The Buccaneers will most likely need to win the NFC South to make the playoffs. Fortunately, the team is in control of its own destiny. Tampa Bay has a half-game lead over the Carolina Panthers. The Bucs face division opponents in four of their last five games, including two against Carolina.

The NFC South will be decided in the coming weeks. Buccaneers fans just hope the team recovers in time to win their fifth consecutive league crown.