Bucky Irving Is 'Ready To Go In A Couple Weeks' And The Bucs' Entire Run Game Hinges On It
Alright, let's talk about something wild brewing down in Tampa. For a minute there, it sounded like Bucs running back Bucky Irving was gonna be sidelined forever, right? Head coach Todd Bowles dropped a pretty concerning line, thinking Irving would be back from his shoulder injury in the "summer or fall." Ouch. That’s a tough pill to swallow when you’re thinking about your ground game.
From "Summer or Fall" to "Almost There"
But hold up! Just when you thought the Bucs were staring down another season struggling to move the chains on the ground, General Manager Jason Licht stepped up with some serious clarity. After Irving actually got in some practice time before the team's offseason program wrapped, Licht hit up the Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast and gave us the real scoop. He explained that Bowles’ “fall” comment was really just referring to training camp, which, yeah, makes a whole lot more sense when you think about it.
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Licht didn’t mince words either. He said Irving is "almost there right now," and get this, he’s "fine." The GM went on to say, “In fact, I think if we were playing here in a couple of weeks, he’d be ready to go.” BOOM! That’s the kind of news that changes the vibe completely. From a vague "summer or fall" to "ready in a couple weeks"? That’s a massive turnaround for a guy who’s so crucial.
Why Bucky Irving's Return Is Everything For Tampa's Ground Game
Why does this matter so much? Well, let’s rewind to 2025. Irving was out for seven games, and the impact was immediate and brutal. The Bucs, who were ranked fourth in rushing yards before, absolutely plummeted to 21st by the end of the season. TWENTY-FIRST! That's a huge drop and highlights exactly how much they missed his presence in the backfield. Losing a dynamic back like that clearly crippled their entire ground attack.
So, a full, healthy return from Bucky Irving isn't just "good news," it's absolutely essential. Combine that with the potential for free agent pickup Kenneth Gainwell to have a strong year, and you’re looking at a completely different picture for their rushing offense. The Bucs need a rebound on the ground, badly, and it looks like their main man is closer to delivering than anyone thought. With Licht’s update, it’s clear they're banking on Irving being ready to roll when it truly counts. Getting him back on the field, healthy and ready to produce, will be huge for them. It’s all about getting that run game back to where it needs to be, and with Irving's status looking up, things are definitely looking brighter. Keep an eye on that Bucs backfield as we head towards actual football. This could be a game-changer for their season.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.