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Saturday update: Wirfs is still considered a game-time decision, but is getting a lot of treatment on his ankle sprain in an effort to have him on the field.
Bucs All-Pro right tackle Tristan Wirfs has been getting around-the-clock treatment on his significant high ankle sprain in the hope to play tomorrow, according to a source. It's still expected to be a game-time decision, though.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) January 22, 2022
Friday update: Wirfs and Jensen have yet to get any official practice in this week, but appear to both be giving it a go Friday morning. We’ll have to wait on Bruce Arian’s to give us an update after practice along with the final injury report.
Thursday update: Some good news and some bad, as Jensen returned to practice on Thursday, while Wirfs did not, per Rick Stroud. We’ll likely need to see Wirfs get in some work on Friday to have a chance to play and be effective on Sunday.
Wednesday update: Both Wirfs and Jensen were listed as not practicing on Wednesday. It’s still early, but getting them back and healthy is much needed for a possible Super Bowl run.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians provided updates on Tristan Wirfs and Ryan Jensen ahead of the team’s divisional round playoff game. The Buccaneers will face the winner of Monday’s game between the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams.
#Bucs HC Bruce Arians says that Tristan Wirfs is in a walking boot. As tough as he is, he think's there's a chance that Wirfs can play this week. Him and Ryan Jensen will probably go all the way until Friday before a decision is made.
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) January 17, 2022
Fantasy football implications
This is not great news for a team which relies on keeping Tom Brady upright in the pocket. The Buccaneers couldn’t afford any more injuries, and two on the offensive line is always an issue. Tampa Bay would have problems with either opponent, as the Cardinals and Rams both feature strong defensive lines. The best-case scenario is both Wirfs and Jensen are able to play but it seems like there’s a strong possibility at least one gets ruled out. Brady’s playoff fantasy stock will drop as a result, along with the outputs of skill players like Mike Evans, Leonard Fournette and Rob Gronkowski. Friday’s injury report will be telling for Tampa Bay’s chances in the divisional round.