The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to face the Seattle Seahawks, but will do so without key running back Bucky Irving. The 23-year-old Oregon product has been sidelined with a foot sprain suffered during last week’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite a standout performance against Philadelphia, where Irving amassed 165 total yards and scored on a 72-yard touchdown reception, the impact of linebacker Jihaad Campbell’s hit left him navigating Wednesday’s practice in a walking boot and relying on crutches.
Bucky Irving’s Foot Sprain Keeps Buccaneers Star Questionable for Seahawks Game
Through four games in 2025, Irving has contributed 237 rushing yards on 71 carries, along with 193 receiving yards on 19 receptions and two total touchdowns. His dual-threat ability has been a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ offense, making his absence a significant concern for the team.
Earlier this week, Head coach Todd Bowles offered insight on the severity of the injury and its immediate implications, “They said we’ll know more by Friday. Right now, it’s a sprain — they’re taking it day-to-day. If he’s not out of the boot by Friday, I’d be more inclined to say he’s probably not going to play.”
When asked whether the injury is related to a previous foot issue, Bowles confirmed, “It’s new.” But the coach provided an update that he’ll be ruled out for the Week 5 clash.
Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles says RB Bucky Irving (foot) ruled out Sunday at Seahawks. pic.twitter.com/FK9kzRNGaI
— NFL (@NFL) October 3, 2025
The Buccaneers’ medical staff is actively evaluating Irving’s condition, focusing on his ankle and foot. While Bowles has not labeled the injury as season-ending, he emphasized that participation against Seattle hinges entirely on Irving’s ability to remove the protective boot in the coming days.
“Yeah, he’s one of them,” Bowles said when discussing Irving’s MRI, highlighting that ongoing assessments will dictate his availability. Despite the uncertainty, Tampa Bay is treating the running back’s recovery as a week-to-week process, with no plans to place him on injured reserve at this time.
When Will Bucky Irving Return Against the Seahawks as the Buccaneers Face Injury Challenges?
As per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the star back may also sit out Tampa Bay’s Week 6 matchup versus the San Francisco 49ers as he continues to manage a left-foot sprain.
“Bucs RB Bucky Irving (foot) is expected to miss Sunday’s game vs. Seahawks and is in danger of missing next week vs. 49ers, per source. Rookie Josh Williams figures to be active this week as a third back in Irving’s absence,” Fowler posted on X.
Bucs RB Bucky Irving (foot) is expected to miss Sunday’s game vs. Seahawks and is in danger of missing next week vs. 49ers, per source.
Rookie Josh Williams figures to be active this week as a third back in Irving’s absence. pic.twitter.com/TUTUsnCfUE
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 3, 2025
Alongside Irving, Tampa Bay will be without cornerbacks Jamel Dean and Benjamin Morrison, safety Christian Izien, and wide receiver Mike Evans, compounding the challenge for the offense.
Reflecting on the upcoming matchup, Bowles underscored the Seahawks’ defensive strengths: “[They may not be] recognizable to some people here [but] they’re recognizable to us. They’ve got two great defensive tackles inside with [Byron] Murphy and Leonard Williams, and they’ve got DeMarcus Lawrence. They’ve got the corner [Devon] Witherspoon from Illinois outside. They’ve got a very good group. They play fast, they play physical, and they play violent.”
He added, “It’s challenging, but it’s a good team whether we have the starters back or not. So, we’ve got to come up with a game plan, and we’ve got guys that have to step up and make some plays, and we’ve got to make sure everybody is on the same page.”
Irving’s absence will inevitably affect Tampa Bay’s rushing attack, but the Buccaneers are prepared to adapt and rely on depth to maintain competitiveness. With Seattle’s physical defense looming, Bowles’ remarks highlight the necessity for precision and cohesion on offense. The kickoff for this high-powered clash is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET.
