How Long Will Bucky Irving Be Out? Latest Update on the Buccaneers RB’s Injury and When He’ll Return

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sneaked by with three massive come-from-behind victories in the final minutes of their games through the first three weeks of the season. However, going up against the reigning Super Bowl champions, their luck ran out, as they lost their first game of the season against the Philadelphia Eagles. It wasn’t wholly their fault, though, as the entire team has been ravaged by injuries from top to bottom.

Unfortunately, the game against the Eagles only served to exacerbate the situation. With the offensive unit falling one after the other like bowling pins, their latest blow came to one of their most important players. Thanks to the injuries to the wide receiving core and offensive line, the Buccaneers may have had to emphasize the running game more.

What Happened to Bucky Irving?

A fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it is safe to say that no one predicted the trajectory Irving ended up on. Starting as the clear RB2, his role continued to increase, as he ended up starting three games in total.

That rookie season was a superstar-caliber year with 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, alongside 392 yards through the air. Unfortunately, his immense workload came at a price.

Starting as the RB1 in 2025, Irving exploded out of the gate with 237 rushing yards, 197 receiving yards, and two total touchdowns through four games. However, near the end of the first half against the Eagles, he suffered a massive blow.

After a big hit, it was immediately clear that Irving wasn’t entirely okay. However, as he returned to the game and had an excellent second half, it seemed like the reaction was more out of shock.

Unfortunately, in the days that followed, it became clear that the issues were far more severe than just shock. As he underwent MRIs on Monday, Irving was in a protective boot and walking with the help of crutches.

Will Irving Play in Week 5?

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.”

So far, the exact nature of the injury has not been confirmed. However, it has been made clear that it is affecting Irving’s ankle and foot.

When Will Irving Return?

As of this moment, there isn’t an exact timeline for his return. After he was seen in walking boots, his status became the primary focus for the media. Based on Fowler’s recent update, we will unlikely see Irving back in action before the Week 7 fixture 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.