Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving had an impressive rookie campaign in 2024 and took over as the lead running back for the Buccaneers offense. While that seemed to be the case in Week 1, it looks like the Tampa Bay coaching staff decided to shake things up in Week 2 after the rushing attack failed to get much going against the Atlanta Falcons last week.
Who are the backs behind Irving on the Buccaneers depth chart, and has the second-year back lost his spot?
Is Bucky Irving Still the RB1 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
While Irving is still the RB1 on the depth chart, Rachaad White got the first carry in Week 2 against the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football. NFL Fans have also seen Sean Tucker work into the offense. While not an indictment on Irving, the Tampa Bay coaching staff seems intent on utilizing all their backs to provide a change of pace for the offense.
Irving has found the most success on the ground of any running back tonight, turning six carries into 37 yards early in the second quarter. He’s also caught two targets for 11 more yards. He’s already matched his yards total from Week 1, when he could only muster up 37 yards on 14 carries. He was able to punch the ball into the end zone on one of his four receptions, though.
Buccaneers RB snap count after 2 drives
Bucky Irving 22
Rachaad White 6
Sean Tucker 1Out of 27 plays
— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) September 15, 2025
While the early use of White and Tucker could have worried fans, it’s clear as the game has progressed that Irving is still the leading man. His use in the passing game also gives him a leg up on the backs behind him. He likely will only be on the sidelines if he’s tired or banged up. Mayfield clearly trusts the second-year back as a safety blanket amongst a plethora of options on the Buccaneers defense.
While the quiet Week 1 performance concerned some, PFSN’s Kyle Soppe wasn’t too worried about Irving. He explained, “The Bucs elected to get cute with their offensive line ahead of kickoff, inserting Michael Jordan as a starter at guard and shuffling a few other pieces around. I’m cautiously optimistic that the line looks better in Week 2.”
He sure seems to be right. Irving has found plenty of room to run, and the Buccaneers’ passing offense picked right up where it left off in the Week 1 win. Hopefully, the momentum continues as the game progresses.
