Spencer Rattler looking for revenge on Sunday but not against Dennis Allen
The New Orleans Saints will travel to Soldier Field in a week 7 NFC showdown against the Chicago Bears. This matchup will feature two intriguing quarterbacks that were selected in the 2024 draft class, Spencer Rattler and Caleb Williams.
Rattler and Williams will face off for the first time in their NFL careers, but they're far from unfamiliar with each other. Both quarterbacks have gotten off to solid starts this season and are emerging as part of the leagues new wave of young and promising signal callers.
The two quarterbacks are fierce competitors and will both aim to display it by bringing their A game. This is a matchup a matchup fueled by familiarity, as the two share history with a competitive past.
Spencer Rattler getting benched for Caleb Williams is a turning point in both of their careers
Rattler and Williams have a unique history that dates back to their collegiate careers at the University of Oklahoma. Both quarterbacks were apart of the Sooners roster, with Williams eventually replacing Rattler as the starter mid season. This change followed after Williams rallied the squad from a 21 point deficit against the Texas Longhorns, a defining moment that marked a turning point in their respective careers.
Following that season, Williams transferred to USC, where continued to build a reputation as a dynamic quarterback, ultimately winning a Heisman trophy and becoming the number 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, Rattler transferred to the University of South Carolina where he worked to refine his skills and prove that he was still a capable NFL prospect. He views this benching as a turning point that ultimately set him on a better path.
A duel fueled by respect and competitive fire
The two haven’t really spoke much since their departures from Oklahoma and don’t have much of a relationship. When asked about their friendship, Rattler kept it respectful saying,
Both quarterbacks have demonstrated their talent and potential, giving a sense of optimism within their organizations and fanbases. That promise will be on full display this Sunday, as the rivalry continue with the two facing off for the first time in their professional careers. Their long awaited showdown marks the beginning of what could become a compelling duel for years to come.
Buccaneers’ star tackle Tristan Wirfs misses practice due to injury
Amidst all the positive developments surrounding Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving, Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan all returning, or nearing a return, from injury, there was one unfortunate development that arose on Wednesday.
Bucs franchise LT misses practice
Following the team’s walkthrough practice on Wednesday, First-Team All-Pro LT Tristan Wirfs popped up on the Buccaneers’ injury report because of an oblique injury.
Wirfs was a non-participant during the team’s walkthrough.
There was no indication that Wirfs suffered any sort of injury during the team's 20-17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13, probably because Wirfs was his dominant self, protecting Baker Mayfield in the passing game and paving the way for Bucky Irving in the running game.
First Team All-Pro is crucial for Tampa Bay's success
Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The importance of Tristan Wirfs to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ success on offense cannot be overstated. Although players like Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans and Bucky Irving tend to steal the majority of the headlines, Wirfs is equally, if not more, important than all of them.
Although Wirfs missed the first few games of the 2025 season as he recovered from an offseason knee procedure, his presence has been felt in a big way since he returned. Despite dealing with physical limitations in the first several games since re-entering the lineup, Wirfs still managed to perform like the best offensive lineman on the field.
Over the last few weeks? He's looked like the best offensive lineman in the game.
Obviously, there is very little information to work with when it comes to assessing the severity of this injury for Wirfs. But based on how he performed against Arizona this past weekend, the fact that today was just an early week walkthrough for the team, and knowing the type of competitor that Tristan Wirfs is, it's tough to imagine this is something that will put his availability for the team's Week 14 game vs. the Saints at risk.
