Bucky Irving’s absence has fantasy football managers anxiously checking injury reports every hour. The Buccaneers’ rookie running back was expected to return soon, but that timeline took an unexpected turn this week. His situation is shrouded in uncertainty, and the team remains tight-lipped about the nature of his latest setback.
For now, fantasy owners will have to keep guessing when one of their most tantalizing upside plays might finally take the field again.
Bucky Irving Injury Update
Irving has not played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since Week 4 due to a shoulder injury. There was hope that Irving would finally be able to return to the field after the team’s Week 9 bye.
READ MORE: How Long Will Bucky Irving Be Out? Latest on Buccaneers RB’s Injury and Return Timeline
Unfortunately, his return remains uncertain. Irving did not practice on Nov. 5, and his return is once again in doubt. Rachaad White and Sean Tucker will continue to be the lead backs in Tampa Bay’s rushing attack if Irving is unable to return.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Dan Fornek
Irving Fantasy Outlook
Logic would state that we are nearing a return for Irving (foot/shoulder), considering that he last played in Week 4 and the team elected not to place him on injured reserve. Still, we lack clarity right now, and that leads me to assume he’s set to miss at least another game.
Should he return, I think you should wait a week. He doesn’t have a 20-yard carry this season (71 attempts), with his splash plays coming in the passing game. That’s great, but it’s also the one area where Rachaad White excels, so if his reps are going to be managed, I fear that he will lose the touch that this backfield has in depth.
READ MORE: Soppe’s Week 10 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: Analysis for Every Player in Every Game
I still think Irving has every chance to be a top-10 RB for the final month of the season as Tampa Bay plays important games. If you’re looking to roll the dice in a late-season trade, this is a spot I’d be looking at, operating under the assumption that the manager rostering him is struggling in a major way.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Kyle Soppe
