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Buccaneers Return Tristan Wirfs, Decide Start September 13

8/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Tristan Wirfs returned to practice on Monday, August 17, 2026 after missing three weeks with a hamstring injury.
Coach Todd Bowles said the team will ramp Wirfs up and decide his start for September 13.
Backup quarterback Jake Browning returned from a back ailment and could debut Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Buccaneers beat the New York Jets 24-16 in their 2026 preseason opener.

History

Historical Context

In 2008 the Patriots lost Tom Brady to a torn ACL in Week 1 yet posted an 11-5 record under Bill Belichick, becoming only the second 11-win team (after the 1985 Broncos) to miss the playoffs. The 2026 Buccaneers, weighing Tristan Wirfs’s hamstring and Jake Browning’s back before a September 13 starter call, face the same depth test that once cost New England a postseason spot.

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Story summary

Tristan Wirfs returned to practice on Monday, August 17, 2026 after missing three weeks with a hamstring injury.
Coach Todd Bowles said the team will ramp Wirfs up and decide his start for September 13.
Backup quarterback Jake Browning returned from a back ailment and could debut Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Buccaneers beat the New York Jets 24-16 in their 2026 preseason opener.

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