Bucs Nation
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in Atlanta this week as they kick off their 50th season against the Falcons. There are high hopes, and perhaps even higher expectations, for the Bucs this season and a fast start to the season against a division rival can solidify that notion.
But they’ll have to do so without some key contributors and big names.
Offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs will miss today’s game against the Falcons because he’s still recovering from arthroscopic right‑knee surgery this summer. Coach Todd Bowles confirmed he won’t play in Week 1 as he works toward regaining full football conditioning.
Veteran wide receiver Chris Godwin will sit out today’s season opener against the Falcons due to his ongoing recovery from a surgically repaired dislocated ankle sustained in Week 7 of the 2024 season. He remained on the injury report and has officially been ruled out.
Tampa Bay will also be without defensive backs Christian Izien and Benjamin Morrison. This week, Bowles hinted at a specific approach the team would be taking in the secondary to help fill the roles Izien and Morrison would have had on the defense.
However, the big question mark coming into this game was whether or not defensive tackle Vita Vea would play. He will in fact be active and play in today’s matchup.
The full list of inactives for both teams are posted below.
