The NFL season is in full swing. As happens every year, injuries are rearing their ugly heads. As fantasy football managers prepare to set Week 13 lineups, it’s important to stay informed on the latest injury news. Bucky Irving practiced all week as he works his way back from his shoulder injury. What is his current status and outlook for this week?
Is Bucky Irving Playing Week 13?
Update:Â Irving is ACTIVE
Irving has been sidelined since suffering his injuries during the Buccaneers’ Week 4 matchup against Philadelphia. The dual nature of the injuries, both shoulder and foot, has created a complicated recovery timeline that has extended far beyond initial expectations. What was originally described as a brief absence has turned into a two-month ordeal.
Tampa Bay’s decision to keep Irving on the active roster rather than utilizing injured reserve initially suggested they anticipated a quick return. That choice now appears misguided, as Irving has missed seven consecutive games with minimal signs of progress until recently. Had the Buccaneers used injured reserve, Irving would have been eligible for activation after Week 8.
The prolonged absence has sparked speculation about the severity of his injuries and whether additional complications emerged during the recovery process. The shoulder subluxation has been particularly problematic, requiring extensive healing time before Irving could take contact in practice.
Irving was limited at practice for two straight weeks leading into the Buffalo and Los Angeles games. Despite the encouraging practice participation, he was ruled out for both contests. The fact that he could practice in a limited capacity but not play suggested the shoulder remained the primary concern, as he hadn’t proven he could absorb contact safely.
On Monday, head coach Todd Bowles provided the most optimistic update yet. Bowles stated Irving is going to practice all week and if he’s fine on Friday, he will play on Sunday against Arizona. This represented a significant shift in tone from the coaching staff, which had been notably cautious throughout the recovery process.
Irving spoke to reporters earlier in the week for the first time since suffering the injury. Players who are not playing typically do not speak to the media, making his availability to the press a strong indicator that his return is imminent. According to River Wells, Irving declared, “I’m here. I’m ready to play football for my team.”
Irving practiced in full all three days this week. He had previously been limited at every session since returning to practice, making the progression to full participation a significant milestone.
Head coach Todd Bowles discussed his backfield plans with reporters and spoke about Irving as if his return is a foregone conclusion. Yet, Irving was listed as questionable on the final injury report.
This feels like the team just being careful with a player who has missed an extended period of time. The questionable tag provides flexibility if any last-minute concerns arise, but all indications point toward Irving being active. Irving feels very likely to make his return this week against Arizona.
On Saturday night, Adam Schefter reported that Irving is expected to play.
Irving’s Fantasy Football Outlook
Irving hasn’t played since September, but the Bucs seem to be counting on his return to come this week.
The talent is elite and the matchup is far from prohibitive (Arizona has played four games against a preseason top 10 RB this season and that player has cleared 18.5 PPR points in each of those contests), but we are left to guess at the workload.
MORE:Â Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
Irving racked up 90 touches (71 carries and 19 catches on 19 targets) in his four games, recording a 20+ yard catch in each of the last three. When right, you could argue Tampa Bay’s RB1 has as high of a ceiling outside of the top tier as anyone and my hope is that we get there sooner than later.
Remaining Schedule
Sunday vs. Cardinals
Week 14 vs. Saints
Week 15 vs. Falcons
Week 16 at Panthers
Week 17 at Dolphins
Week 18 vs. Panthers
Assuming there are no reports of a setback, I’m taking a cautious approach and using Irving as a RB2. I still think he can do damage with limited work, but the fact that the Bucs have a specialist running back to take responsibilities off of Irving’s plate in a variety of ways (Rachaad White via targets and Sean Tucker carries) is worrisome.
I’m expecting 13-15 touches in his return to action and if you roster Irving because you felt he was worthy of a mid-second pick this summer, that is likely enough for him to hit your lineup.
— Kyle Soppe, PFSN Fantasy Analyst
