Another game, another Bucs’ loss, but also another injury.

Left tackle Tristan Wirfs was the latest key starter to go down, as his knee was rolled up on late in the second quarter of Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the 49ers. While there was no immediate update on Wirfs after the game, here is the latest as of Monday morning about how long he will be out.

Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs Suffered An MCL Sprain

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport provided an injury update for Tristan Wirfs following his MRI. Wirfs suffered an MCL sprain that will keep him out of action for a couple of weeks.

Head coach Todd Bowles also provided an update surrounding Wirfs’ injury, saying that he suffered a low-grade knee sprain and is considered week-to-week.

Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

All things considered, this is a best-case scenario for both player and team heading into the bye week. This will give the team captain extra time to heel and stay off his feet, while it also means that the Bucs’ offense will welcome back its best offensive lineman at some point this season. When he originally went down with a leg injury, one braces for the worst outcome.

For someone of his stature, it was a positive sign that the cart did not have to come out and he limped off the field with team trainers. He will not be placed on injured reserve, and while he will likely miss the next two games against the Giants and Panthers, a realistic return could be in Week 14 when the Bucs come home to host the Raiders.

Until then, reserve tackle Justin Skule will attempt to fill the shoes of one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Skule had a tough task coming in the middle of the game and attempting to contain 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, but he held down the fort and limited Bosa’s impact. After filling in for right tackle Luke Goedeke earlier this season when Goedeke suffered a concussion that kept him out of four games, Skule will have time to prepare and switch sides before facing the Giants. It won’t get any easier assignment-wise, as their pass rush is led by outside linebackers Brian Burns and Azeez Ojulari.

It’s a tough break to lose Tristan Wirfs down the stretch of some must-win ballgames, but the fact it is not more serious is a welcome development.