Tristan Wirfs returns to Bucs practice, but status for Sunday still unclear
TAMPA — A day after coach Todd Bowles conveyed skepticism about Tristan Wirfs playing Sunday against Cincinnati, the All-Pro right tackle practiced on a limited basis for the first time since his Nov. 27 injury.
But his status for the Bengals game remains iffy at best.
“It was good, just to be able to move around,” said Wirfs, who sustained what Bowles called a high ankle sprain in overtime of the team’s 23-17 loss to the Browns. “I did a little bit (Wednesday). Just do my best to keep moving and getting confidence in it and everything.”
Wirfs didn’t suit up for Wednesday’s practice, but was seen doing agility work with trainers on the AdventHealth Center fields. Afterward, Bowles said he didn’t think Wirfs would be ready for Sunday.
Bowles doesn’t address the media on Thursdays, but is expected to provide a further update after Friday’s practice.
Elsewhere, defensive backs Antoine Winfield Jr. (ankle), Mike Edwards (hamstring) and Sean Murphy-Bunting (quad) — all of whom have missed the last two games — practiced for the second day in a row. Winfield remained limited, but Edwards and Murphy-Bunting were listed as full participants.
“You’ve got to be smart with hamstrings,” Edwards said. “But I feel pretty good, I’m progressing pretty well.”
Those not participating for the second day in a row included receiver Julio Jones (knee), nose tackle Vita Vea (calf), cornerback Jamel Dean (toe) and outside linebacker Carl Nassib (pectoral).
“It’s tough losing a guy like (Vea),” co-defensive coordinator Larry Foote said. “But guys have to step their game up and it’s our mindset (that) if you’re in there, we expect you to play at a high level. But you can’t really replace Vita — sucks that he got hurt for us.”
Contact Joey Knight at jknight@tampabay.com. Follow @TBTimes_Bulls
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