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 )