Tristan Wirfs is back in the mix for the Buccaneers after arthroscopic knee surgery sidelined him early. Doctors found the issue late, but Wirfs is pain-free and could return in Week 4 against Philadelphia, a crucial matchup for a 3-0 duo. The line shuffles were testing, with Goedeke and Mauch on IR and Barton/Bredeson sliding around. Tampa Bay’s pass protection and run game hinge on Wirfs’ return, while Mayfield, Godwin, and Evans try to stay healthy and productive without missing a beat.

Hurt by injuries to key pass-catchers, the receiving corps leaned on a growing trio—Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard, and Cade Otton—while Godwin’s full practice on Friday keeps hope alive for a Sunday return. If Wirfs plays, Barton can shift back to center and Bredeson to guard, restoring some balance and potentially boosting the left-side run game that dipped this season. The offense remains dynamic but needs all hands on deck against a stout Eagles defense.

Injuries have forced resilience. Evans’ hamstring keeps him out weeks, elevating the midtier targets and opening doors for Otton and Egbuka. Mayfield’s leadership and improvisation have carried the offense, and with Godwin possibly back, Tampa Bay can reestablish rhythm in the passing game while Wirfs anchors the protection and reopens the left-side running lanes.

Tampa Bay stands 3-0 as Mayfield steers the offense and Bowles maintains a stout defense, keeping the NFC South in sight. A November 10 trade deadline adds intrigue, with chatter centering on reuniting Mayfield with David Njoku to boost a passing game that’s dealt with injuries to Evans and Godwin. Njoku’s veteran, multi-year impact could simplify TB’s path to bigger goals, especially if Otton’s production doesn’t rebound.

Otton’s limited involvement this season, contrasted with Njoku’s 2018 and 2023 peak performances, fuels the rumor mill. The Browns’ rookie Harold Fannin Jr. complicates any move, but the Buccaneers would gain a reliable, matchup-proof target in Njoku. TB also faces a tough test vs. the Eagles, highlighting the need for consistent playmakers beyond Evans and Godwin.

As the league watches the deadline, fantasy managers weigh Njoku’s potential workload against Otton’s current role and the health outlook for TB’s pass catchers. A Njoku upgrade could unlock more balanced fantasy outputs for Mayfield, Evans, and the TB passing attack in a pivotal stretch run.