Wells suffered a torn patellar tendon in late December and is not guaranteed to be ready for the start of the season. If healthy, he'll provide depth behind Walker Little and Cam Robinson at tackle. 

Wells was carted off the field and taken in for x-rays in yesterday's game against the Cardinals. The worst was later confirmed, as it was announced he suffered a torn patellar in his left knee, bringing his 2022 to a close and putting the start of his 2023 season in doubt. Wells was already playing in place of left tackle Donovan Smith (foot), which could leave the Bucs extra thin at left tackle in Week 17 against the Panthers if Smith is unable to suit up.

Wells was immediately taken to the locker room for x-rays and has been ruled out for the remainder of the contest. He was filling in at left tackle for the injured Donovan Smith, leaving the Buccaneers thin along the left side of the offensive line.

Wells could return to Tampa's offense in the next few weeks after missing the past four weeks with a calf injury that was at first believed to be a short-term issue. The Bucs could certainly use Wells back in the fold. Pro Football Focus grades Tampa's offensive line as 18th in pass blocking and 13th in run blocking. Perhaps Wells can help the Bucs offensive linemen avoid in-game tongue lashings from Tom Brady.