Bucky Irving's Injury Comeback Is Rolling, But There's One Huge Question Left
Alright, NFL fans, listen up! We've got some big news bubbling out of the league, and it’s all about a trio of former Oregon running backs. The biggest headline? It's Tampa Bay's Bucky Irving, who's been battling the injury bug hard. But don't despair, because his latest update shows an optimistic trend that could get him back on the field and dominating again. We're talking shoulder surgery, limited games, and now a hopeful road to recovery. It’s a story you gotta follow!
Irving's Crucial Comeback Trail
Bucky Irving has faced a brutal gauntlet of injuries in both his NFL seasons with the Bucs. Last year, 2025, shoulder and ankle issues limited him to just 10 games. Now, the big focus is on his shoulder, after he underwent offseason surgery to fix things up. But here's the good news, Emerald City: Irving was seen participating in minicamp practice on Tuesday! While he wasn't doing full team periods, he warmed up and crushed individual drills. That's a huge sign of progress, you know? This is a guy who didn't miss a single game his rookie season in 2024, exploding for 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, plus another 392 receiving. He was the most productive rookie running back in the entire NFL that year, drafted in the fourth round. So, the question on everyone's mind is massive: Can Bucky fully participate in training camp next month? And more importantly, will he be back for a full 17-game slate in 2026? We need that dude healthy!
Trade on Every Game with Kalshi
Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.
The Duck Pipeline Continues to Deliver
But Irving ain't the only former Duck making waves. Over in San Francisco, Jordan James is in his second NFL season, finding his rhythm behind Christian McCaffrey. James is actively fighting for that crucial backup running back spot, making a strong case to be a key role player for the 49ers. He's showing that depth is everything, especially in the brutal NFC. Then there’s Houston Texans running back Noah Whittington, who's playing a role he knows well: the dark horse. This undrafted free agent has the potential to shock the league, but he also had offseason surgery to contend with. All three of these backs, Irving (2024), James (2025), and Whittington (2026), have entered the league in the last three seasons, a testament to Oregon's talent pipeline. Coach Dan Lanning has sent 31 players to the NFL Draft, proving he's building something special down there.
While we're counting down the days until the Seahawks hit Lumen Field, keep an eye on these battles brewing across the league. Player health and proving your worth are everything in the NFL. We'll be watching closely to see if Irving can recapture his rookie magic and stay on the field, if James cements his spot in San Fran, and if Whittington can truly be that surprise star. The journey for these guys is just heating up, and it's gonna be wild. Get ready!
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.