Bucs’ RB Bucky Irving Still on the Sidelines - Return Isn’t As Near as Hoped

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is still sidelined, and his return is looking farther off than initially expected. While the team listed foot and shoulder injuries as the cause of his absence, deeper concerns have emerged.

Irving last played in Week 4 before suffering a foot sprain and shoulder subluxation. He returned briefly to practice as a limited participant, but recent reports suggest he won’t suit up for the upcoming game and might be out for an extended period.

What the Team Is Saying

Head coach Todd Bowles described Irving’s progress as “up-trending” but cautioned that the return date is still uncertain. He emphasized that Irving “didn’t handle” his injury and time away well, hinting at non-physical factors affecting his recovery.

Meanwhile, NFL insider Mike Florio floated that there is more to Irving’s absence than what the official injury report shows — leading to speculation that emotional or mental-health components may be at play.

Why This Matters

Irving was coming off a promising rookie season and had been expected to be a key contributor in the Bucs’ offense this year. His absence means other backs — notably Rachaad White and Sean Tucker — will carry greater workload and scrutiny.

The Bucs are currently 6-4, and losing Irving for a prolonged period could impact their ground game and overall offensive balance — especially in tight matchups.

Looking Ahead

At this point, there is no firm return date for Irving. While he has resumed limited practice, the coaching staff is taking a cautious approach. Reports indicate that he will not play in the upcoming game and will continue to be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.

The team and fans will be monitoring his progress closely, both for his physical recovery and his return to full mental and emotional readiness.