Bucs’ Surprise Move: Dan Feeney Steps In as RG Cody Mauch Faces Season-Ending Injury—What This Means for the Team’s Playoff Hopes

It’s rough when a key player like Cody Mauch pushes through pain only to discover the injury cuts his season short. The Buccaneers’ starting right guard didn’t blink, taking every offensive snap against the Texans Monday night, even with that nagging knee problem threatening to end his run. After some medical tests this week, it’s clear surgery is on the horizon, though specifics remain under wraps. Mauch’s ironman streak since the 2023 draft — missing zero starts and almost every snap in 36 games — makes this blow even tougher for Tampa Bay. With their offensive line already stretched thin, the Bucs are scrambling, bringing in veteran Dan Feeney from the Bills’ practice squad to help shore things up. Meanwhile, left tackle Tristan Wirfs is still rehabbing, and Luke Goedeke’s short-lived effort last game due to a foot injury adds another layer of complexity. The challenges are mounting — but the Bucs will have to find a way through. LEARN MORE

Buccaneers starting right guard Cody Mauch played every offensive snap against the Texans on Monday night. He played at least some of those snaps with a knee injury that will end his season.

Mauch underwent medical testing this week, and it revealed his knee injury will require surgery, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports. It is unclear exactly what the injury is.

Mauch had never missed a start since arriving to Tampa in the 2023 draft, and he had played all but nine snaps in 36 games. But he is expected to miss the final 15 games of this season.

The Bucs, who are down three starters in their offensive line, are signing center/guard Dan Feeney off the Bills’ practice squad on Thursday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Times reports.

In eight seasons, Feeney has started 65 of 120 games played but only three the past three seasons.

The Bucs have not had left tackle Tristan Wirfs yet this season as he works his way back from July knee surgery. Luke Goedeke started Monday despite a foot injury, but he didn’t last long after aggravating his injury.