Everything appeared to be near perfect for Cody Mauch and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after their hard-fought 20-19 victory over the Houston Texans on Monday night. They successfully built on their Week 1 game, 23-20 triumph against the Atlanta Falcons, to start the season at a perfect 2-0 record. However, the euphoria surrounding the team’s early success took a sudden turn sour with the announcement that Mauch, the Buccaneers’ starting right guard, suffered a knee injury severe enough to sideline him for the remainder of the 2025 season.
What made the news all the more shocking was that Mauch had finished the game, playing through the pain and showing the grit fans have come to expect from the 26-year-old lineman. At the time, few would have suspected that the injury would be so serious. However, according to team reports, subsequent evaluations revealed the severity of the injury, confirming that he would not return this season.
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Mauch, a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, had been a consistent presence on Tampa Bay’s offensive line, starting game after game since being drafted, including postseason appearances. In 2024, he finished as the 18th-ranked guard out of 136, with an 11th-best rating in pass blocking across the league, surrendering just two sacks and one quarterback hit over 696 pass-blocking snaps.
This season, in 90 snaps, Mauch has given up only one sack and two pressures, which further shows his importance to the Buccaneers’ offensive front. This is why the impact of his absence cannot be overstated. In both Week 1 and Week 2, he was instrumental in protecting the quarterback and establishing the run game, anchoring an offensive line that is now facing unprecedented challenges.
The Buccaneers, who remain 2-0, are now looking to continue their perfect start to the season. They will take on the Jets on Sunday, September 21, in what promises to be a challenging matchup, now without Mauch in the lineup. While his absence is a significant blow, Tampa Bay will be hoping that their depth and resilience allow them to grind out a win and maintain their momentum as the season progresses.
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Buccaneers to Sign Veteran OL Dan Feeney From Bills Practice Squad to Replace Cody Mauch
In the wake of Cody Mauch’s season-ending knee injury, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are moving quickly to shore up their offensive line by signing veteran guard Dan Feeney from the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad.
Feeney, a nine-year NFL veteran, brings substantial experience to a Bucs line that has been hit hard by injuries. Over his career, he has played in 120 regular-season games and started 65, though his recent playing time has been limited, with just three starts in the past three seasons while bouncing between the Jets, Bears, and Vikings. Despite the sparse recent action, Feeney’s knowledge of the game and versatility as a guard and centre could provide Tampa Bay with much-needed depth.
The Buccaneers’ offensive line has been tested early in the 2025 season. All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs is still working back from knee surgery, while right tackle Luke Goedeke exited the Monday night game against the Texans after only 12 snaps due to an aggravated foot injury. Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey is also sidelined for the season with a torn pectoral muscle, compounding the team’s challenges up front.
Tampa Bay’s in-house options, Elijah Klein, Victor Haggard, and Uchenna Chukwuma, have limited NFL experience, making the addition of Feeney an important move to stabilise the line. With Mauch out for the year, the projected offensive line for Week 3 will likely feature Graham Barton at left tackle, Klein at left guard, Ben Bredeson at centre, Michael Jordan at right guard, and Charlie Heck at right tackle.
While Feeney may not immediately replicate Mauch’s high-level performance, his experience and knowledge of NFL defences give the Bucs a veteran presence as they prepare to face the New York Jets in Week 3. The game represents another early test for Tampa Bay’s depth, but the hope is that Feeney’s addition helps the team continue its perfect start to the season despite the mounting injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happened to Cody Mauch, and how serious is his injury?
Cody Mauch, the Buccaneers’ starting right guard, suffered a knee injury during the Week 2 win over the Houston Texans. Although he finished the game, evaluations confirmed that the injury is season-ending, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season.
How important was Cody Mauch to the Buccaneers’ offensive line?
Cody Mauch was a key part of Tampa Bay’s offensive line, starting every game since being drafted in 2023, including postseason appearances. In 2024, he was ranked the 18th-best guard in the league and 11th in pass blocking, allowing only two sacks and one quarterback hit over 696 snaps. His absence leaves a significant gap in both pass protection and run blocking.
Who is replacing Cody Mauch, and what experience does he bring?
The Buccaneers are signing veteran guard Dan Feeney from the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad. Feeney has nine years of NFL experience, with 120 regular-season games and 65 starts. Although his recent playing time has been limited, his versatility as a guard and centre gives Tampa Bay an experienced option to stabilise the line.
Who will start on the Buccaneers’ offensive line in Week 3 against the Jets?
With Mauch out, the projected Week 3 lineup is expected to feature Graham Barton at left tackle, Elijah Klein at left guard, Ben Bredeson at centre, Michael Jordan at right guard, and Charlie Heck at right tackle. The team will rely on depth and experience, including Feeney, to maintain its strong start despite the injuries.