The Tampa Bay Buccaneers thought they had found their offensive anchor in Bucky Irving. But now, one brutal injury has turned their backfield into a question mark and possibly a battleground heading into Week 5.
The story is as dramatic as it is sudden. Irving, the breakout star who took the NFL by storm as a rookie, was off to another electric start in 2025. But a crushing hit in last week’s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles may have just changed everything.
Bucky Irving’s Injury Throws Buccaneers’ Backfield Into Chaos
When the Bucs drafted Irving in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, expectations were modest. He quickly blew past them. His rookie season ended with 1,122 rushing yards, eight touchdowns, and 392 receiving yards, production that made him one of the league’s most exciting young running backs.
That momentum carried over into this season. Through four games, Irving had already posted 237 rushing yards, 197 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. Then came the hit that silenced Raymond James Stadium.
Initially, it looked like a minor scare. Irving returned in the second half and continued to produce. But behind the scenes, things were far worse. According to team reports, he’s now in a walking boot, using crutches, and missed Thursday’s practice entirely.
“RB Bucky Irving, CB Jamel Dean, CB Benjamin Morrison, WR Mike Evans were not [at practice] during portion open to the media,” reported Buccaneers insider Rick Stroud.
QB Baker Mayfield, T Tristan Wirfs, S Tykee Smith, WR Chris Godwin,LB Lavonte David, OLB Haason Reddick, DT Greg Gaines, DT Logan Hall are practicing. RB Bucky Irving, CB Jamel Dean, CB Benjamin Morrison, WR Mike Evans were not during potion open to the media.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) October 2, 2025
According to PFSN’s Priyanshu Choudhary, the team has yet to reveal the official diagnosis, but the injury reportedly involves his ankle and foot, a troubling sign for a player who relies heavily on agility and burst.
Rachaad White and Sean Tucker Could Battle for RB1
Head coach Todd Bowles made one thing clear: If Irving doesn’t practice by Friday, he won’t suit up on Sunday. That leaves Tampa Bay scrambling for answers.
If Irving is sidelined, veteran Rachaad White is expected to step into the RB1 role. White has shown flashes of potential in limited action, including a standout Week 2 performance against Houston, in which he logged 65 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries.
Sean Tucker and Josh Williams would also see expanded roles, but White’s versatility and experience make him the frontrunner. The Bucs might even lean on him more heavily in the passing game, something they’ve been hesitant to do with Irving.
Still, Tucker brings an intriguing change-of-pace option that could force Bowles into a committee approach. And if White struggles under the increased workload, Tampa’s backfield hierarchy could change quickly.
Why It Matters for the Buccaneers’ Season?
The Buccaneers’ offense has already been hit hard by injuries. Star receiver Mike Evans is out for weeks with a hamstring issue. Losing Irving on top of that could derail their offensive rhythm just as the NFC playoff race starts to heat up.
If White or Tucker can seize the RB1 job and replicate even a fraction of Irving’s production, Tampa Bay might weather the storm. If not, their postseason hopes could take a significant hit before midseason.
