Tue Sep 23 16:10:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Despite retaining all key offensive players from their highly successful 2024 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense has struggled through the first three weeks of 2025 due to injuries and shifting personnel. The offensive line, once a strength, has been significantly altered, and key receivers are sidelined. However, there is hope for improvement as WR Chris Godwin Jr. and LT Tristan Wirfs are potentially returning to the lineup in Week Four. The Buccaneers are currently 3-0 after a 29-27 win over the Jets, secured by a game-winning field goal by Chase McLaughlin. QB Baker Mayfield has been performing well despite the team’s injuries, and has led another successful two-minute drill.

**News Article:**

**Bucs Hope to Bolster Ailing Offense with Key Returns in Week Four**

**TAMPA, FL – September 22, 2025** – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fresh off a narrow 29-27 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday, are hoping to receive a much-needed boost to their offense in Week Four with the potential return of key players.

The reigning NFC South champions, who boasted a top-five offense in both rushing and passing last season, have struggled to find their rhythm through the first three games of 2025 due to a series of injuries and shifting personnel. Notably, the Buccaneers are 3-0 after Chase McLaughlin’s fifth field goal of the game gave the Buccaneers a 29-27 win in their 2025 home opener against a Jets team that had taken the lead with three touchdowns in the last 10 minutes.

Their once-dominant offensive line has been completely reshuffled, with none of the original five starters playing in their accustomed positions. Key receivers Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan have yet to appear this season, and veteran Mike Evans suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday’s win.

However, hope is on the horizon. Head Coach Todd Bowles indicated that both WR Chris Godwin Jr., recovering from an ankle injury, and All-Pro Left Tackle Tristan Wirfs, who underwent knee surgery in July, could potentially return to the lineup as early as Week Four.

“They started practicing last week,” said Bowles on Monday. “We’ve got to see the progression of how they handle everything, and then we’ll make that decision at the end of the week.”

Despite the offensive woes, quarterback Baker Mayfield has been a bright spot, maintaining a 99.5 passer rating and a 6-0 TD-INT ratio. The Buccaneers are relying on Mayfield’s continued strong play and the potential return of Godwin and Wirfs to spark their offense and maintain their undefeated record.

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