Buccaneers Facing Significant Bucky Irving Problem After Foot Injury

Highlights

• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be without running back Bucky Irving (foot) in Week 5.
• Tampa doesn’t have the best running back depth behind Irving and Rachaad White.
• The NFC South-leading Buccaneers need Irving to get healthy, and fast.

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hope to avoid falling from an impressive 3-0 start to a concerning 3-2, they might need to battle the Seattle Seahawks without budding star running back Bucky Irving.

Irving, the Bucs’ second-year running back who rushed for 1,122 yards as a rookie, suffered a foot sprain in last Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Although the Buccaneers hadn’t announced Irving’s Week 5 status as of Friday morning, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that he’s expected to sit this weekend.

The more pressing concern, though, is that Irving is “in danger” of missing the Bucs’ Week 6 clash with the San Francisco 49ers. Rachaad White should see more playing time in Irving’s potential absence, and Fowler noted the Buccaneers could allow Josh Williams, an undrafted rookie out of LSU, to make his NFL debut.

It’s been a slow start for Irving, who has only recorded 237 yards and no touchdowns on 3.3 yards per attempt. However, he’s turned 19 receptions into 193 yards and two touchdowns for the NFC South-leading Buccaneers.

What Could the Buccaneers Do After Bucky Irving’s Injury?

Luckily for the Buccaneers, White has gradually improved since entering the league as a 2022 third-round pick. He’s increased his yards per carry from 3.7 as a rookie to 4.7 on 23 carries thus far, and he’s added eight catches for 34 yards.