Buccaneers, Tom Brady to play without All-Pro RT Tristan Wirfs vs. Rams

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will play Sunday's playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams without Tristan Wirfs.

The All-Pro right tackle sprained his right against the Philadelphia Eagles last week and was on the Bucs' inactive list ahead of kickoff Sunday. He sustained the injury on Tampa Bay's first drive in the wild-card win over Philadelphia.

He briefly returned, but was ruled out for the game when it became evident that he couldn't play. He practiced on Friday in hopes of playing against the Rams, but was ruled out in the hours leading up to kickoff. Center Ryan Jensen also sustained an ankle injury against the Eagles, but is expected to play on Sunday.

Wirfs' absence is a significant blow for the Bucs as they seek to advance to the NFC championship game. A first-round pick in 2020, Wirfs started every game as a rookie during the Bucs' Super Bowl season. He was named as a Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro this season. Backup Josh Wells will likely start in his place and be tasked with protecting Tom Brady from eight-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Von Miller.

Running back Ronald Jones, backup quarterbacks Kyle Trask and Ryan Griffin, wide receivers Cyril Grayson Jr. and Breshad Perriman and cornerback Pierre Desir were also listed as inactive for the Bucs on Sunday.