The Tampa Bay Buccanneers can go as far in the playoffs as Tom Brady can take them. But Brady can only go as far as his offensive line allows him to. With a Divisional Round playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Rams coming up, Brady's protection is looking shaky due to injuries to key offensive linemen.
In the Buccaneers' Wild Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles, offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs and center Ryan Jensen both suffered ankle injuries. Wirfs left the game for good while Jensen eventually returned. Both Pro Bowlers' availability against the Rams is looking uncertain.
Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians said that Wirfs and Jansen are making progress but that their statuses for Sunday's game won't be known until inactive players are announced before kickoff. Both linemen returned to practice on Friday.
The anticipation will be huge for Brady and Tampa Bay, who will be facing Aaron Donald, one of the best defenders ever. Having a backup be in charge of dealing with arguably the most dominant defensive tackle ever is not at all ideal.
Wirfs looked like he didn't want to put too much pressure on his ankle in practice.
Brady and the Buccaneers may also be without Leonard Fournette — the team's leading rusher, who is dealing with a hamstring issue — for the second consecutive playoff game. The Bucs' defense against Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp will be extra important in this contest.