Blood is officially in the streets. Todd Bowles’ noncommittal coachspeak confirms this shoulder injury is a problem. Bucky Irving stumbled to a abysmal 3.3 True Yards Per Carry (No. 67 among qualified running backs) in 2026, and Tampa Bay went out and paid real money to secure Kenneth Gainwell, an elite pass-blocking specialist who is primed to completely cannibalize the high-value receiving work.
Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud also insists RB coach Skip Peete “has always done a good job of balancing the workload between his backs, and 2026 should be no different” and believes Sean Tucker will be leaned on in short-yardage situations. This backfield is devolving into a “hot hand” nightmare that is sure to lower Irving’s early-season fantasy ceiling.
Still just 23.8 years old, Irving continues to trend down in all fantasy formats. Monitor his recovery throughout the summer and watch for panic selling in dynasty leagues.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) ...
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that ...
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) ...
Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud describes Bucky Irving as “the chair” of what looks to be a running back by committee with Kenneth Gainwell and Sean Tucker. We’ll see what the price range settles in as for Irving, but it’s hard to imagine him as a top-40 pick based on the past week of updates.
Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson went further saying “Shoot, one guy might get this amount the next week. They might end up balanced, feeling the hot hand, and we’ll see where it goes.” Gainwell’s hyper-efficiency in 2025 netted him a $7 million per year contract with Tampa Bay, combined with Irving’s elongated recovery from offseason shoulder surgery, prepares the ground for a rotational backfield this season. Gainwell and Tucker both have attractive ADPs in dynasty and best ball fantasy drafts.
During Bucky Irving’s extended absence from Weeks 5–12 last season due to ankle and shoulder injuries, head coach Todd Bowles acknowledged that his second-year running back was mentally having a hard time dealing with the situation. Now, we may know why. According to JoeBucsFan.com, Irving recently underwent shoulder surgery to address lingering issues. Per the report, offseason activities won’t be “significantly impacted” as he recovers.
Year 2 didn’t go as planned for Irving or fantasy managers. After a hot start that saw him lead the league in touches through the first four games, Irving got hurt and didn’t return until Week 13. He wasn’t the same player, as Tampa Bay limited his touches and pulled him near the goal line in favor of Sean Tucker. With a full offseason to rest and recover, the hope is that Irving can return to the form he showed as a rookie, rather than the beat-up player who finished last season with just 588 rushing yards (3.4 yards per carry), 277 receiving yards, and only four total touchdowns. His 13.9 fantasy points per game ranked RB17.
Author: Wolf Trelles-Heard (@DynastyFFWolf )
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked up a Week 13 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Baker Mayfield, who entered the week questionable with a low-grade sprain in his non-throwing shoulder, suited up and finished with 194 passing yards and a touchdown. His top target on the day was Emeka Egbuka, who caught 4 of 8 targets for 42 yards. Chris Godwin led the team in receiving, turning his 3 receptions into 78 yards.
Buck Irving made his return to the lineup for the first time since Week 4 and didn’t disappoint. He logged 61 rushing yards and a touchdown while adding 2 receptions for 20 yards. It was an encouraging performance for fantasy managers, signaling that Irving is healthy and immediately productive.
Author: Jake Lewis (@Lewylewis)
Bucky Irving has been out for six games with foot and shoulder injuries. In his absence the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have relied on Rachaad White and Sean Tucker to shoulder the load.
Irving not being able to contribute to the team because of the injuries put a lot of strain on him mentally as well, possibly lengthening his absence. Now it appears Irving is not only in a better place physically but mentally too.
Tucker and White will lead the backfield for at least one more week, with Irving expected back in week thirteen. Tucker shined in week eleven and could be the lead back again, White is a reliable pass catcher and pass blocker, Irving is likely to be the lead back once he returns.
Author: David Leonard Jr. (@RealDelcoDave)
Bucky Irving has not played since Week 4 due to a foot and shoulder injury, but reports have surfaced that he may miss more time with information that would not be reported on an injury report.
Fans and fantasy managers have been frustrated by the rising superstar missing time as many draft him highly or traded multiple assets to acquire Irving. In his absence, Sean Tucker and Rachaad White have split the backfield and both players appear to continuing those duties and both must be rostered in all formats until the Irving news is sorted out. Tucker finished as the RB2 in Week 11 with three touchdowns and 140 all purpose yards. White has also been a serviceable flex option averaging over 10ppg. The Buccaneers take on Arizona in Week 12 action.
Author: Dane Madoche(@FF_DaMaddog)
