Tristan Wirfs suffered sprained ankle according to Bucs, divisional status uncertain
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered another big injury on offense.
In the Bucs' playoff opener Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, All-Pro right tackle Tristan Wirfs went down with an ankle injury on the Bucs' fourth play from scrimmage.
Wirfs was helped off the field, walking very gingerly. He was immediately ruled questionable to return, returned briefly for one series and later was ruled out.
After the Bucs' 31-15 win, head coach Bruce Arians said Wirfs suffered a sprained ankle, and the team is uncertain about the extent of the damage.
Here's a look at the play where Wirfs got hurt:
A look from @NFLonFOX at what happened with Tristan Wirfs’ right leg before being helped off the field.
Hadn’t missed a single snap for Tampa Bay the last two seasons. pic.twitter.com/ANNkB8JYjz— Mitch Fick (@MCFick) January 16, 2022
Amazingly, it led to the first missed snaps Wirfs' two-year career. The 13th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft started every game and played every offensive snap for the Bucs the past two seasons, including the playoffs.
Josh Wells, who started five games for the Bucs this season, replaced Wirfs. And they were no worse for the wear on the first drive, scoring on a 2-yard Gio Bernard run to take a 7-0 lead.
The Bucs then took a 14-0 lead on their third series, but center Ryan Jensen appeared to be rolled up on during Ke'Shawn Vaughn's TD run. Jensen walked slowly off the field following the score, but he was out on the field on the Bucs' next offensive drive.
Wirfs began working on the sideline again after having his ankle heavily wrapped, and he got back on the field for the start of the Bucs' fifth possession. On his third play back on the field, Wirfs remained down after a Tom Brady sack and had to be helped off once more.
Wirfs was ruled out after this. Wells also suffered an injury mid-game but continued playing.
The Buccaneers already are without running back Leonard Fournette for this game, and earlier this season they placed wide receiver Chris Godwin on injured reserve.