The Bucs are missing two extremely important pieces on their offensive and defensive line with right tackle Tristan Wirfs and nose tackle Vita Vea. Both are first-round picks and the best players on their respective lines.

Bucs RT Tristan Wirfs, C Robert Hainsey, LT Donovan Smith and QB Tom Brady – Photo by: USA Today

Wirfs has been out since injuring his ankle during overtime in a Week 12 when the Bucs lost to the Browns. Vea saw action in just four plays in Week 14 when the Bucs lost to the 49ers and left due to a calf injury.

With Tampa Bay playing a road game on Christmas night this Sunday in Arizona, it will be a real gift if one or both of these players could return for it. Bucs head coach Todd Bowles provided an update to their status, beginning with Wirfs.

“We’ll see how he looks this week,”  Bowles said. “He moved around some last week. We’ll try to ramp up his rehab and see where he stands.”

Bowles then answered about Vea with a quicker response.

“Vita’s probably a little behind Tristan right now,” Bowles said.

Wirfs Participated In Bucs Practice Last Week

Bucs RT Tristan Wirfs and C Ryan Jensen – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The good news regarding these injuries is that Wirfs was able to practice this week. He was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday, getting the Questionable status.

The Bucs practice Wednesday through Friday this week where he will be monitored daily to see if he continues to participates.

Tampa Bay almost had another injury scare when Donovan Smith hurt his foot on Sunday and missed three plays. When he was out, Brandon Walton took his spot and the Bucs had two backups at tackle with him and Josh Wells on the right side before Smith returned.

The Bucs offensive line has seen some injuries all season and can’t afford another one to close out the year.