The Tampa Bay Buccaneers started the season 3-0 on the back of three huge come-from-behind wins in the final minutes. But in Week 4, facing the reigning Super Bowl champions, their luck ran out, as they dropped their first game of the season to the Philadelphia Eagles.
It wasn’t entirely their fault, as injuries have taken a heavy toll on the team from top to bottom. The game against the Eagles only made matters worse. With the offensive unit falling one by one like bowling pins, their latest setback struck one of their most important players, Bucky Irving.
Bucky Irving Injury Update
Irving and several other players did not practice on Thursday. “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,” wrote Buccaneers insider Rick Stroud on X. “RB Bucky Irving, CB Jamel Dean, CB Benjamin Morrison, WR Mike Evans were not during portion open to the media.”
Irving was officially ruled out of the Week 5 game against the Seahawks on Friday. “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,” wrote NFL insider Jeremy Fowler. “Rookie Josh Williams figures to be active this week as a third back in Irving’s absence.”
A fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, few predicted Irving’s trajectory. Starting as the clear RB2 in his rookie season, his role steadily grew, eventually earning him three starts.
Irving became the Buccaneers’ RB1 in 2025, and he exploded out of the gate with 237 rushing yards, 197 receiving yards, and two total touchdowns through the first four games.
However, he took a heavy hit near the end of the first half against the Eagles. At first, it was clear Irving wasn’t entirely healthy. Yet, after returning and delivering an excellent second half, the reaction seemed more from shock.
Unfortunately, in the days that followed, it became evident that the injury was far more serious. After undergoing MRIs on Monday, Irving was seen in a protective boot, walking with the aid of crutches.
When Will Irving Return?
As of now, there is no confirmed timeline for his return. After being seen in walking boots, Irving’s status became a major focus for the media. Based on Fowler’s recent update, it’s unlikely Irving will be back in action before the Week 7 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Earlier in the week, head coach Todd Bowles was asked when he could return. “Right now, it’s a sprain,” Bowles said. “They’re taking it day-to-day. If he’s not out of the boot by Friday, I’ll be more inclined to say he’s probably not going to play.”
With Irving out against the Seahawks, Tampa Bay will rely on the rest of its running back room. That means Rachaad White will have a larger role within the offense, and so will Sean Tucker.
