After an incredible rookie campaign in 2024, second-year running back Bucky Irving has seen his 2025 season derailed due to an injury. While he was able to return, the electrifying back exited the game with another injury against the New Orleans Saints in Week 14. Here’s everything to know about his status.
What Happened to Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving?
After playing the first four weeks of the season, Irving went down with a foot sprain, causing him to miss six weeks. He was finally able to return in Week 13 with a nice outing against the Arizona Cardinals.
While he had a nice start to the week, Irving limped off the field after going down hard following a tackle by Saints defender Carl Granderson. Through two quarters, Irving has rushed 11 times for 18 yards and caught two passes for 26 yards and a touchdown. In five games this season, he’s rushed 88 times for 298 yards and a touchdown. He’s also caught all of his 21 targets for 213 yards and two more touchdowns.
Bucky Irving limped off the field with what looks to be an injury to his left lower leg after getting tackled for a loss by Carl Granderson.
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) December 7, 2025
Irving did return to the game and contributed for the Buccaneers, but the latest update might be worrying for the fans. The star running back was not spotted on the team’s sidelines during the recent drive, and Sean Tucker scored a touchdown.
The coaching staff will be closely monitoring their starting back for the rest of the game after losing Irving for most of the season. He gives the offense a boost when it could use one down the stretch heading into the postseason.
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Irving had been looking fantastic since returning from injury. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious this time, and his re-entering the game is a good sign. But if it does cost him a couple of games, things may not look the same as they did when he was out the first time.
The Buccaneers’ offense has struggled significantly this season. While most of those issues have been related to the injuries to Irving and wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay has managed to stay atop the struggling NFC South division. The offense ranks 26th in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric with a score of 69.2.
Rachaad White will undoubtedly start if Irving ends up having a worse injury than expected. However, he had lost the lead back role to Sean Tucker shortly before Irving returned. Fantasy managers should expect Tucker to be the lead runner and goal-line back, with White mixing in for a handful of carries plus passing down work. Tucker would be a high-priority waiver wire add if Irving does end up missing time.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.Â
