Buccaneers Receive Encouraging Injury News on Bucky Irving

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally received clarity on Bucky Irving’s status.

Head coach Todd Bowles addressed the running back’s prolonged absence on Friday. 

Irving hasn’t played since Week 4 due to shoulder and foot injuries and was officially ruled out for Sunday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. 

As CBS Sports noted, for the first time in weeks, Bowles offered a firm timeline and optimism about his return. 

 Irving is “definitely trending up” to play in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals, he said. 

Bowles added that Irving logged a “full practice this week,” even though the injury report still listed him as limited on Thursday and Friday.

“He didn’t handle it well, because he’d been hurt for the first time,” Bowles told reporters, via multiple outlets.

“He’ll definitely be trending up and playing next week.”

“We’re preparing him for the Arizona game, and that’s what he’ll be ready for.” 

Irving Out vs. Rams, Expected Back for Cardinals

Irving’s return timeline has been surrounded by uncertainty for nearly two months. 

The Buccaneers chose not to place him on injured reserve after Week 4, signaling early confidence he would return quickly.

But the shoulder issue lingered longer than expected, and the team implemented a very cautious approach. 

In addition to the physical setbacks, recent reports indicated that Irving required mental-health support during the process. 

This is a reality the team now acknowledges more openly. 

Missing time for the first extended stretch of his career was very difficult for him.

Bowles emphasized that the staff worked closely with Irving to manage both sides of the recovery.

“He’s not going through much off the field, but he got hurt,” Bowles said. “He didn’t handle it well… but he got a full practice this week.”

The Bucs listed Irving as limited all week, but have now announced he will miss his fifth straight game on Sunday. 

What Irving’s Return Means for the Bucs

Through four appearances in 2025, he totaled 237 rushing yards, 193 receiving yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns, averaging 107.5 scrimmage yards per game. 

As a rookie in 2024, he posted 1,122 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 392 receiving yards, solidifying himself as a rising star.  

With Tampa Bay sitting at 6-4 and only one game ahead of Carolina in the NFC South, the offense is badly in need of a spark.

Irving’s dual-threat skill set has been difficult to replicate during his absence. 

Him coming back adds a whole new layer and dimension to this offense. 

The Buccaneers face a pivotal late-season stretch with matchups against the Cardinals, Saints, Falcons, Panthers, Dolphins, and Panthers again to close the season. 

Getting Irving back for that run could shift the complexion of the offense and free up a struggling Baker Mayfield. 

If his Week 13 return holds, the Buccaneers will be getting their most impactful offensive weapon back for a massive push to the playoffs.

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