Bucky Irving Injury Timeline Comes Into Focus After Buccaneers OTA Update

As the Buccaneers opened OTAs on Tuesday, energy and anticipation filled One Buccaneer Place.

For the Bucs, part of that excitement came from seeing several key players return to the practice field. Cody Mauch, Jalen McMillan and Calijah Kancey all missed significant time during the 2025 season, but each was back with teammates as the team began preparations for the 2026 campaign.

One notable absence, however, was running back Bucky Irving, who continues recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.

Bucky Irving’s Recovery Timeline Still Unclear

Following Tuesday’s practice, head coach Todd Bowles addressed Irving’s status and provided an uncertain timeline for the star running back’s return.

“He’s coming along fine. He’s working out, we expect him sometime back in the summer or fall and, you know, we look forward to it when he gets back.”

Irving impressed during his rookie season in 2024, rushing for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 47 receptions for 392 receiving yards. The fourth-round pick quickly established himself as one of the league’s most explosive offensive weapons.

Last season, Irving dealt with ankle and shoulder injuries that kept him sidelined for much of the year. Without him in the lineup, the Buccaneers’ offense struggled at times.

Bowles’ comments created concern among Buccaneers fans, especially with the possibility that Irving may not return until closer to the start of the regular season in September.

Adam Schefter Offers More Optimistic Update

A few hours after Bowles spoke, ESPN insider Adam Schefter shared a more encouraging report regarding Irving’s recovery progress.

“Bucs RB Bucky Irving is rehabbing from off-season shoulder surgery and should be ready later this summer, per source. Irving is not expected to participate in mini-camp in a few weeks, but he is likely to be ready at some point during training camp.”

According to Schefter’s report, Irving is expected to miss minicamp but could return during training camp before the regular season begins.

While Bowles’ initial comments raised concerns, Irving still appears on track to be available for Tampa Bay when the 2026 season opens.