The Atlanta Falcons made it a point of emphasis to add more juice to the defensive side of the ball this offseason. They narrowly missed the postseason with an 8-9 record and now hope to take the next step forward in 2025. Their quest will continue with this year's training camp, which opens up on July 23 at the IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch, Ga.
Although it's still early July, the Falcons just learned of a huge advantage they'll have next season. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting left tackle Tristan Wirfs has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and will begin the regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
That throws a wrench in the plans for the Bucs but is massive for the Falcons, who host Tampa Bay in Week 1.
Buccaneers All-Pro LT Tristan Wirfs recently underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, as @jjones9 reported. Wirfs likely will open the regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform list and miss time to start the season. Wirfs had lingering soreness in his right…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 9, 2025
Buccaneers LT Tristan Wirfs Will Be Inactive vs. Falcons in Week 1
The Falcons were ranked 31st in the league in team sacks (31) last year, so not having to deal with Wirfs is a major win, especially since the rival blocker is a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time First-Team All-Pro, and a second-team All-Pro.
With Wirfs missing this opener, Tampa Bay could look at Charlie Heck to step in, and he would be a big downgrade. Heck has bounced around the league and has started in 23 games. Even though he played in different schemes, he hasn't been able to stand out. Last season, between the Cardinals and 49ers, he posted sub-50 Pro Football Focus grades as a run or pass blocker.
Tampa Bay opens training camp on July 21, and that will give about five weeks to hammer out the best starting five. Regardless, it will be tough to do so, as the only way offensive lines get better and more comfortable with each other is when they play together.
It's going to be difficult for the Buccaneers to do so, as most starters don't even suit up in preseason, so the only reps they will get come on the practice field. That increases the importance of each practice session for Tampa Bay.
Atlanta made Jeff Ulbrich its defensive coordinator and will have this defense rushing four and being aggressive to bring down the quarterback. That's why they added James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker in the NFL draft after signing Leonard Floyd and Morgan Fox in free agency.
Wirfs' absence in front of Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield is something that will benefit the Falcons' newly revamped defensive line, and could potentially open the door for this defense to get off to a hot start.