The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense continues to face turbulence heading into Week 10. What began as a promising season for the unit has turned into a waiting game for two of its most important playmakers.
Both running back Bucky Irving and wide receiver Chris Godwin remain sidelined, and head coach Todd Bowles’ latest update offered little assurance of an imminent return.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Offensive Core Faces Prolonged Absence
The latest comments from head coach Bowles painted a concerning picture of the Buccaneers’ current health situation.
Speaking to reporters, Bowles addressed the uncertainty surrounding his key starters, saying, “Hopefully they can get Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin Jr. and Haason Reddick back soon. But there’s no timetable for their returns,” as reported by PewterReport.
#Bucs HC Todd Bowles says hopefully they can get Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin Jr. and Haason Reddick back soon. But there’s no timetable for their returns.
— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) November 10, 2025
Irving, who had established himself as the Buccaneers’ lead back earlier in the season, has now missed five straight games and is still not sure about his upcoming games.
The second-year player has been sidelined since Week 4 due to foot and shoulder injuries suffered against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the time off, there has been minimal progress.
Buccaneers senior writer Scott Smith reported Bowles’ clarification on Monday: “Todd Bowles says it’s the shoulder injury, not the ankle, that is currently holding RB Bucky Irving back. He has to be able to take a hit before returning. Too soon to know if that will be this week or not.”
Todd Bowles says it’s the shoulder injury, not the ankle, that is currently holding RB Bucky Irving back. He has to be able to take a hit before returning. Too soon to know if that will be this week or not.
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) November 10, 2025
The team’s decision not to place Irving on injured reserve suggests a belief that his condition is short-term; however, the lack of practice activity indicates otherwise. In four games before his injury, Irving contributed 430 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns, proving vital to the Buccaneers’ balance on offense.
Since then, replacements Rachaad White and Sean Tucker have struggled to replicate his impact, with White averaging only 3.7 yards per carry.
Meanwhile, Chris Godwin’s situation adds another layer of concern. As detailed by PFSN’s Abhinand Variar, Godwin has not practiced in a month due to a fibula injury and has missed his fifth consecutive game.
This setback follows his long recovery from a dislocated ankle suffered in 2024 against the Baltimore Ravens, a devastating injury that kept him off the field for nearly 11 months.
When Godwin briefly returned earlier this season, his production was subdued, totaling just six receptions for 52 yards over two games. His latest absence has reignited questions about whether he rushed back too soon or if lingering effects of the previous injury remain unresolved.
The combined losses of Irving and Godwin have clearly hurt the Buccaneers’ offensive rhythm. PFSN’s Offense Impact Score places the Buccaneers 19th in the league at 72.9, a reflection of how injuries to core players have dulled their explosiveness.
For now, the Buccaneers can only hope that patience pays off. Until Irving’s shoulder proves ready for contact and Godwin’s leg stabilizes, Bowles’ offense remains in survival mode, searching for the spark it lost weeks ago.