The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, having lost their past two games, have a very important contest against the Los Angeles Rams coming up in Week 12. All season long, the Bucs have been beat up on offense, but it appears this unit is finally beginning to get healthy at the perfect time.
Star wide receiver Chris Godwin is expected to return to action for the team’s upcoming game, but the same can’t be said for running back Bucky Irving, as he will miss his seventh-straight contest. However, Irving has made some significant progress as of late, and it sounds like he will be back in action sooner rather than later.
Bucky Irving Eyeing Week 13 Return for Buccaneers
After racking up over 1,500 yards from scrimmage as a rookie, despite starting just three games, Irving entered the 2025 campaign as the Buccaneers’ lead running back. Through four outings, he looked like one of the top rising stars at the position, as he racked up 237 yards on 71 carries, while also catching 19 passes for 193 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
In the Bucs’ Week 4 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Irving suffered shoulder and foot injuries that have held him off the field for the past two months. Tampa Bay never placed Irving on injured reserve, but until this past week, he hasn’t really appeared close to returning, making his absence a bit mysterious.
In his absence, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker have held down the fort, but Irving’s big-play ability has been missed at times over the past few weeks. While he was ruled out for the team’s Week 12 action, it sounds like Irving and the Buccaneers are planning on him being on the field with the rest of the team in Week 13.
“Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving, who has not played since Week 4 vs. the Eagles due to shoulder and foot injuries, is expected to make his return next Sunday vs. the Arizona Cardinals, per sources,” Adam Schefter of ESPN reported. “Irving looked strong at practice this week and might have been able to play vs. the Rams, but the team decided to hold him out, give him one more week and have him return next Sunday.”
Buccaneers’ Offense Could Use Bucky Irving Boost
GettyTampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving.
Irving and Godwin are just two playmakers on offense who have missed significant time for Tampa Bay this season. Mike Evans is still working his way back from a broken collarbone, while Jalen McMillan hasn’t suited up at all this season due to a neck injury. That has resulted in rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka having to shoulder a bigger load than expected, and while he’s generally delivered the goods, things have been tough on this offense all season long.
Getting Godwin back in Week 12 would be a big win, but Irving is a guy who can really help take Tampa Bay’s offense to another level, thanks to his ability to contribute as a runner and a receiver. First, the Bucs have to get through a daunting matchup with a Rams squad that may just be the team to beat in the NFC. With this game taking place on Sunday Night Football, kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET.
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