Josh

Wells

Wells suffered a torn patellar tendon in late December and is not guaranteed to be ready for the start of the season. If healthy, he’ll provide depth behind Walker Little and Cam Robinson at tackle.

Wells was carted off the field and taken in for x-rays in yesterday’s game against the Cardinals. The worst was later confirmed, as it was announced he suffered a torn patellar in his left knee, bringing his 2022 to a close and putting the start of his 2023 season in doubt. Wells was already playing in place of left tackle Donovan Smith (foot), which could leave the Bucs extra thin at left tackle in Week 17 against the Panthers if Smith is unable to suit up.

Wells was immediately taken to the locker room for x-rays and has been ruled out for the remainder of the contest. He was filling in at left tackle for the injured Donovan Smith, leaving the Buccaneers thin along the left side of the offensive line.

Wells could return to Tampa’s offense in the next few weeks after missing the past four weeks with a calf injury that was at first believed to be a short-term issue. The Bucs could certainly use Wells back in the fold. Pro Football Focus grades Tampa’s offensive line as 18th in pass blocking and 13th in run blocking. Perhaps Wells can help the Bucs offensive linemen avoid in-game tongue lashings from Tom Brady.

Wells’ injury wasn’t expected to be of the long-term variety. Apparently things have changed in the interim and Wells will now miss the next four weeks. Third-string tackle Brandon Walton protected Tom Brady’s blindside in Week 2 against the Saints after Wells exited the game. The Bucs’ injury-marred offensive line has become a problem for Brady and the team’s passing offense. Pro Football Focus grades Tampa’s offensive line as the 11th worst pass-blocking unit through two weeks.

Wells left the Bucs’ Week 2 game against the Saints and did not return. This is good news for the Bucs considering how the injuries are already piling up. The team is already down their top left tackle Donovan Smith and have already suffered other injuries across the offensive line. Tom Brady needs the big guys up front healthy for him to operate at peak performance.

Adam Schefter reported that Hicks tore the plantar fascia in his foot and is expected to miss a month. Josh Wells (calf), who gave way to third tackle Brandon Walton in Tampa’s Week 2 win over the Saints, also won’t play in Week 3 per Bowles. Bowles made the comments on his radio show. It’s possible one or both of these players wind up on injured reserve.

The Bucs also ruled out Akiem Hicks with a foot injury. Third-string tackle Brandon Walton is now on the field at left tackle. Tom Brady’s line has been decimated by injuries. Trist Wirfs is the only starter from 2021 that is on the field today. For the second week in a row, Tampa Bay’s offense looks toothless. The depleted offensive line is not helping them turn things around.

Wells, a swing tackle, made five spot starts for the Bucs last year and eight over the last three seasons. He played 65 snaps for injured RT Tristan Wirfs in Tampa’s Wild Card win over the Eagles and started for Wirfs in the Divisional Round loss to the Rams. The Bucs also signed free agent OL Fred Johnson along with Wells as veteran depth.

Wells returned and gave up a sack almost instantly. The Rams have picked on Tristan Wirf’s backup all day and that should continue to close out the game. Expect more quick passes from the Bucs in an effort to counter the pressure.