The Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepare for their Week 13 road matchup against the Carolina Panthers with continued uncertainty surrounding their explosive running back. Bucky Irving has been sidelined for eight weeks with foot and shoulder injuries that have proven far more severe than initially anticipated. Will fantasy football managers finally see their star running back return to the field?
Bucky Irving Injury Update
Irving has been limited at practice for two consecutive weeks now after missing the team’s previous seven games. The second-year back hasn’t played since Week 4 due to a shoulder subluxation and a sprained left foot. He was a limited participant in all three practice sessions during Week 11 before being ruled out for the game against Buffalo.​
Week 12 followed a similar pattern, with Irving listed as limited all three days. Head coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday that Irving was increasing his reps at practice to test his availability for Sunday night’s game against the Rams. Offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard told Scott Smith of the Buccaneers’ official site Thursday that it would be “unfair to immediately ask them to play 50 snaps” when Irving and Chris Godwin return.​
Despite the encouraging practice participation, Irving did not play in Week 12 against Los Angeles. However, Irving does seem to be trending toward a Week 13 return.
The fact that he’s logged two consecutive weeks of limited practice participation without setbacks represents meaningful progress in his recovery. His ability to consistently practice, even in a limited capacity, suggests the shoulder and foot injuries are healing.​
On Monday, Bowles said “Irving is going to practice all week and if he’s fine on Friday he will play on Sunday against the Cardinals,” according to Bucs reporter Scott Smith.
The Buccaneers face a critical decision about Irving’s activation as they look to secure a playoff berth. Tampa Bay’s running game has lacked explosiveness during Irving’s absence, making his potential return a significant boost to the offense. Through four games this season before the injury, Irving rushed for 237 yards and caught 19 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns.
Irving’s Fantasy Outlook
Fantasy managers should note that Irving will likely resume his status as the starter immediately upon his return. However, expectations should be tempered regarding his workload. Irving has been out of action for two months and will need to be eased into action.​
Expect Irving to share the work with Sean Tucker, who should maintain his status as the goal line back. Tucker broke out in Week 11 against Buffalo with 140 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns. His performance earned him additional carries moving forward, and the coaching staff will likely continue deploying him in short-yardage situations.​
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The silver lining for Irving’s fantasy value is that his role in the passing game should hopefully remain intact, giving him a solid PPR floor even with reduced rushing volume.
Before his injury, Irving averaged 4.8 receptions per game, demonstrating his value as a receiving threat out of the backfield. If Tampa Bay utilizes him primarily on passing downs early in his return, he could still provide fantasy value through his involvement in the aerial attack.​
It is unclear where Rachaad White will fall in this backfield hierarchy. White has handled the bulk of the work during Irving’s absence, but the results have been underwhelming. His longest rush this season measures just 16 yards, while his longest reception sits at 18 yards. With Irving returning and Tucker having established himself, it is possible that White barely plays going forward.​
