After dropping their first game of the season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be without RB Bucky Irving when they take on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5. The 23-year-old suffered an foot injury in their 31-25 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. What’s the latest on Irving’s health and availability for Week 5?
Will Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving Play in Week 5 vs. the Seahawks?
The Buccaneers would love for everyone to be healthy heading into Sunday’s matchup in Seattle. They’re already forced to make the cross-country flight without WR Mike Evans, though veteran wideout Chris Godwin just returned from injury. With Evans out, QB Baker Mayfield could be looking at a depleted offense, especially if Irving is also sidelined.
On Monday, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo revealed that Irving’s status for Week 5 is “up in the air” as he continues to gather medical opinions on his foot. He remains sore after suffering the injury against Philadelphia, and Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles revealed that Irving had an MRI this week.
Buccaneers beat writer Greg Auman provided a concerning update on the star running back. “Not looking good for Bucs RB Bucky Irving, who had a boot on his left foot and was on crutches at today’s walkthrough,” Auman wrote on X. “Focus on Rachaad White and Sean Tucker for Sunday in Seattle.”
NFL insider Adam Schefter added that “Irving is dealing with a foot sprain, per source,” he wrote on X. “He was spotted today at practice on crutches and in a walking boot.”
Bucs RB Bucky Irving is dealing with a foot sprain, per source. He was spotted today at practice on crutches and in a walking boot.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 1, 2025
As if this wasn’t concerning enough, the Buccaneers’ injury report on Wednesday revealed that Irving is also battling a shoulder injury. Given the severity of the foot injury and the fact that he now has a second issue he’s dealing with, it seems unlikely he’ll play this week.
So far this season, Irving already has 430 combined rushing and receiving yards. Shockingly, both of his touchdowns have come through the air.
If Irving can’t play this week against Seattle, the Buccaneers will rely on RBs Rachaad White and Sean Tucker — two quality backups.
While White only has 23 carries compared to Irving’s 71, White is averaging more yards per attempt (4.7) than Irving (3.3). Also, White hauled eight receptions on nine targets for 34 yards through their first four games.
Through four weeks, Tampa Bay has the 22nd-ranked offense in PFSN’s Offensive Impact metric. Irving has been the 32nd-ranked back in PFSN’s RB Impact metric.
While Irving toughed out his injury and managed to finish the game against the Eagles, it’s clear he was banged up. It seems unlikely that we will see him on the field in Week 5 against the Seahawks, but check back for further updates
Fantasy Outlook of Buccaneers’ Backfield
He’s not Bijan Robinson, but the way things look in slow motion for Irving is awfully similar to how they look for Atlanta’s star RB.
Irving is the only back in the NFL with at least 14 carries and four receptions in all four weeks this season, and his 72-yard TD reception against the Eagles was a good reminder of just how rare this skill set is.
Mayfield was doing his thing to buy time and that means there is a poor linebacker out there trying to keep up with one of the five most electrifying backs in the sport.
Thoughts and prayers.
Unfortunately, Irving is now banged up and may miss this weekend’s game. If you’re an Irving manager, hopefully you preemptively added Rachaad White or Sean Tucker just in case.
Let’s give White his due — he’s worked his way back into Todd Bowles’ good graces. No longer do I believe that if Irving were to miss time that Tucker would be the guy. It would be White.
There still isn’t enough for White to have standalone value when Irving is healthy and in the lineup. His 8.6 fantasy points are passable if you’re in a bind, but he is just as liable to post the 2.4 he did the previous week. This is Irving’s backfield.
If Irving is out, though, White would be an every-week RB2. For that reason alone, he should be rostered in more leagues. While White has been terrific this season, we have to acknowledge how impressive Tucker looked last year.
Think back to the Bucs’ blowout win against the New Orleans Saints, when he put up 192 total yards and two touchdowns. Tucker has always been a talented player; if you recall, he only fell in the draft due to health concerns.
I’m betting that Irving will be out longer than expected, which means that Tucker will have a chance to show what he can do. While there’s definite risk that the Bucs ride with the veteran White against the Seahawks, Tucker is still a viable sleeper because of his rushing ability. He is a superior runner to White, and he’s worth stashing on your bench.
