A nagging issue has kept Tampa Bay’s promising rookie running back sidelined, and fantasy football managers are feeling the impact. Bucky Irving remains out of action as the Buccaneers prepare for Week 7, with head coach Todd Bowles making it clear that a return isn’t imminent.
The talented back has now missed multiple games this season, leaving fantasy owners scrambling for alternatives. While there’s hope on the horizon, patience will be required as Irving works through his recovery process.
Bucky Irving Injury Update
Head coach Todd Bowles has said that Bucky Irving is “not in play” to return to the starting lineup in Week 7. Irving is set to miss his third game of the season.
Rachaad White (78.9% snap share) has dominated the backfield over the last two weeks, and that should continue in Week 7.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Dan Fornek
Irving Fantasy Outlook
That’s now consecutive missed games for Bucky Irving (shoulder), and it’ll be three straight after Todd Bowles made it clear on Monday that this week wasn’t on the table for a return to action.
Maybe next week?
Not only is next week a soft landing spot (at NO), but you get the extended recovery window that comes with a Week 9 bye.
Rachaad White and Sean Tucker are the fill-in options, both of whom should be long gone from your waiver wire. I wouldn’t advise doing anything drastic, even if it feels like your season is spiraling without your RB1. Irving is a special talent and is capable of making up for lost time once the Bucs are comfortable in activating him.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Kyle Soppe
Bucky Irving’s ongoing shoulder injury derails both Tampa Bay’s backfield depth and fantasy football lineups heading into Week 7. With head coach Todd Bowles ruling out an immediate return, Irving will miss his third consecutive game while Rachaad White maintains his expanded role with nearly 79% of snaps over the past two weeks.
Fantasy managers face a frustrating waiting game, but there’s reason for cautious optimism. Week 8’s matchup against New Orleans presents a favorable return scenario, followed by Tampa Bay’s Week 9 bye that would provide additional recovery time. While White and Sean Tucker offer temporary solutions, they’re likely unavailable on most waiver wires.
The key message for fantasy owners: avoid panic moves despite the mounting losses. Irving’s exceptional talent suggests he can quickly reclaim his fantasy relevance once healthy, making patience the preferred strategy over desperate roster shuffling during this challenging stretch.
