Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Buccaneers get multiple disappointing updates on RB Bucky Irving

Originally posted on Pro Football Rumors
By Nikhil Mehta | Last updated Oct 11, 2025 12:45 PM ET

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving was ruled out for Week 6, per ESPN’s Jenna Laine. According to her colleague Dan Graziano, Irving may be at risk of missing Week 7 as well.

Bucky Irving's timeline to return

The second-year running back did not play in Tampa Bay’s last game due to a foot sprain and a shoulder injury that was later revealed to be a subluxation, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Both injuries were expected to heal in two to three weeks, per Fox Sports’ Rick Stroud.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Wednesday that Irving is “getting better by the day,” but he did not set any expectations for a speedy return.

He will likely need to return to practice next week to have a shot at playing in the team’s next game.

Bowles today on Bucky Irving's injury status: "It's still his ankle and still his shoulder. He's getting better by the day, so we'll see." Was not seen at today's walkthrough practice.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) October 8, 2025

Who will replace Bucky Irving's production?

Tampa Bay will be more than comfortable turning to Rachaad White and Sean Tucker in the meantime. White has not turned out to be an especially dynamic rusher, but he is among the best pass-catching backs in the league. Tucker flashed with 308 yards on 50 carries (6.2 yards per carry) in 2024, but has just four attempts so far this year. Both should see plenty of touches as long as Irving is out. He was only averaging 3.3 yards per attempt when healthy, so White and Tucker could make strong arguments for their involvement for the rest of the year.

Undrafted rookie running back Josh Williams could have seen his first offensive touches in Irving’s absence, but he entered concussion protocol after Thursday’s practice and was also ruled out for Sunday’s game.

The Buccaneers are dealing with a number of other injuries at other positions. Pro Bowl wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans were ruled out, as were cornerbacks Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison. Bowles said that McCollum played through a thumb injury in Week 5 and had a minor procedure this week. He was seen by Auman sporting a cast and a sling at practice. Morrison has not played since Week 3 due to a hamstring injury and may not be close to returning.

Head Coach Todd Bowles says CB Zyon McCollum had a “thumb procedure” done and the decision on his status will come down to the end of the week. McCollum injured his thumb in the Eagles game and played through it last Sunday.
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) October 8, 2025

The secondary will have veteran Jamel Dean back in Week 6 after a one-game absence due to a hip injury. He was taken off the injury report entirely and should be full-go on Sunday.

This article first appeared on Pro Football Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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