The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made a strong start to the season at 5-1, despite being hit hard by injuries. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has been performing well under Todd Bowles, but sustaining this early success will be difficult if the team’s top playmakers aren’t on the field.
The Bucs’ receiving corps has already been depleted with multiple stars on injured reserve, and now running back Bucky Irving has missed the past two weeks. He was absent from Thursday’s practice, raising serious concerns about his availability for Week 7 against the Detroit Lions.
What Is Bucky Irving’s Injury Status Ahead of Week 7 vs. Lions?
Irving suffered the injury during Tampa Bay’s 31-25 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4. The second-year running back sustained a foot sprain during that contest but managed to finish the game while delivering a spectacular 72-yard touchdown reception.
Initially, Irving showed no obvious signs of distress as he completed the Eagles game without apparent restrictions. However, concerns developed on Monday when head coach Todd Bowles announced that Irving would need an MRI examination to assess the extent of the injury.
The foot injury alone was expected to sideline him for several weeks. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter later reported that Irving is also dealing with a shoulder subluxation that he hadn’t disclosed until the following Tuesday. The shoulder issue is considered more serious than the foot sprain and was expected to keep him out for at least two weeks.
Irving has now missed both Week 5’s contest against Seattle and Week 6’s matchup with San Francisco. Monday brought definitive news regarding Irving’s Week 7 status when Bowles stated that the running back is “not in play” for next week’s game against Detroit.
Irving was eventually absent from the Buccaneers’ Thursday practice, and will likely miss the rest of two practices as well. He is also expected to be out for Week 8 against the New Orleans Saints, and with the Buccaneers on bye in Week 9, Irving’s likely return is projected for November 9 against the New England Patriots.
Irving had established himself as Tampa Bay’s undisputed RB1 since claiming the role from Rachaad White late last season. Through four games before his injury, he had rushed for 237 yards on 71 carries, ranking 38th in PFSN’s RB Impact metric. His contributions as a receiver were more impressive, with 19 catches for 193 yards and two touchdowns.
In his absence, White has resumed the starting role, compiling 214 rushing yards and four touchdowns, and ranking 17th in PFSN’s RB Impact metric.