The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came into Week 4 riding the momentum of three dramatic, last-minute comebacks. Both Tampa Bay and the Philadelphia Eagles entered the game undefeated, but it was the defending champions who left with their perfect record intact.
The matchup, however, brought more than just a streak-ending result for the Bucs. Second-year running back Bucky Irving suffered a foot sprain during the game, casting doubt on his availability for Week 5 against the Seahawks. Here’s the latest on his status heading into Sunday Night Football.
How Severe Is Bucky Irving’s Injury Entering Week 5?
Starting as the Buccaneers’ RB1 in 2025, Bucky Irving got off to a sensational start, racking up 237 rushing yards, 193 receiving yards, and two total touchdowns through four games. But near the end of the first half against the Eagles, he took a massive hit that changed the course of the week.
Although Irving returned to the game and performed well in the second half, it soon became clear the injury was more serious than it initially appeared. MRIs on Monday confirmed the severity, and Irving has been walking in a protective boot with crutches. He didn’t fully participate in practice this week and has been officially ruled out for Week 5.
“Bucs RB Bucky Irving (foot) is expected to miss Sunday’s game vs. Seahawks and is in danger of missing next week vs. 49ers, per source,” wrote NFL insider Jeremy Fowler. “Rookie Josh Williams figures to be active this week as a third back in Irving’s absence.”
With Irving still in a protective boot, there is a concern he could miss the Week 6 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers as well. In his absence, Tampa Bay will lean on the rest of its running back room, giving Rachaad White and Sean Tucker larger roles. So far this season, the duo has combined for 24 carries for 110 yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield acknowledged the impact of losing Irving but expressed confidence in the team’s depth.
“It’s not the same without ‘Buck’ because he brings a different spark to it and those explosive plays that you guys have seen for two years now that we’ll be missing, but we’ll see. Hopefully he’s able to play, but if not, we trust the guys that are in there,” he said, via ESPN’s Jenna Laine.
A fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Irving began as the Buccaneers’ clear RB2 in his rookie season. His role grew steadily, eventually earning him three starts, but he appeared in all 17 games, finishing with a superstar-caliber rookie campaign: 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, alongside 392 yards through the air.
