Buccaneers grappling with offensive line woes ahead of Jets showdown
In a season already marred by injury, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing a critical predicament as they prepare for their upcoming clash against the New York Jets. The offensive line, once a point of strength, has been ravaged by a series of unfortunate injuries that have left the team scrambling for answers.
Injury Crisis Strikes
The Buccaneers secured a narrow 20-19 victory against the Houston Texans in a thrilling Monday Night Football encounter. However, the aftermath has been anything but celebratory. The offensive line, a crucial component of any successful football team, has suffered significant blows. The loss of defensive tackle Calijah Kancey to a season-ending pectoral tear adds further strain to the already beleaguered unit.
Left tackle Tristan Wirfs has been sidelined since the offseason due to knee surgery. The team has resorted to unconventional lineups, with center Graham Barton stepping up to play left tackle and left guard Ben Bredeson moving to center. The depth chart has been further compromised by recent injuries that have transformed the situation into a full-blown crisis.
Recent Developments
The situation deteriorated rapidly. Luke Goedeke, who had been filling in at right tackle, exited the game against the Texans with a re-aggravated foot injury. Subsequent scans confirmed that he would be out for several weeks, leaving the right tackle position vacant. The woes continued when guard Cody Mauch underwent knee surgery, an injury he had been battling through, sidelining him for the entire season.
In a troubling twist, Michael Jordan, another backup guard, missed practice on Thursday after being absent from the injury report on Monday. His status remains uncertain, and if he is unable to play on Sunday, the Buccaneers could find themselves fielding an offensive line that is severely depleted.
Current Roster Status
With injuries piling up, the question looms: who remains on the Buccaneers’ offensive line? Presently, the team is grappling with a roster that includes:
Tristan Wirfs: Knee (expected return Week 5)
Luke Goedeke: Foot (out for a few weeks)
Cody Mauch: Knee (out for the season)
Michael Jordan: Status unknown after missing practice
If Jordan cannot participate, the Buccaneers would be left with only five healthy offensive linemen. Bredeson and Barton, both starting in unfamiliar roles, are part of the original starting five, but the depth chart is thinning quickly.
The remaining healthy options include swing tackle Charlie Heck, who filled in for Goedeke during the Texans game. Behind him, tackle Ben Chukwuma, a raw prospect from Georgia State, is seen as a potential future contributor. Eljiah Klein, a sixth-round draft pick from UTEP, rounds out the healthy linemen on the roster.
Practice Squad Options and Recent Additions
The Buccaneers also have some options on their practice squad. Michael Jordan is still technically part of that group, having been elevated for the first two games. Additional depth includes guard Luke Haggard, and tackles Lorenz Metz and Tyler McLellan.
In a move to bolster the offensive line, the Buccaneers signed interior lineman Dan Feeney from the Bills’ practice squad. The team also welcomed back Sua Opeta, who was with the Buccaneers during training camp and preseason.
Looking Ahead
As the Buccaneers prepare to face the Jets, the hope is that Jordan’s absence is not severe. If he cannot play, Tampa Bay may need to field two third-string linemen alongside out-of-position starters, significantly complicating their game plan.
Despite being considered a stronger team on paper than the Jets, the Buccaneers’ mounting injuries present a formidable challenge. The offensive line’s health will be critical as they strive to secure a victory at home amidst adversity.
