Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-year running back Bucky Irving missed the past two months with a shoulder injury and an ankle injury, but he should make his triumphant return to the field in Week 13. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Tampa Bay expects Irving to play against the Arizona Cardinals as the team fights to maintain its lead in the NFC South.
Bucky Irving Injury Update: Buccaneers RB Expected to Play Against Cardinals
Schefter’s report adds that the Buccaneers “don’t want to overdo it with Irving, but he will get his touches.” This suggests the former fourth-round pick won’t be a workhorse back in his first game on the field, but he will be the primary starter. Look for Irving and breakout running back Sean Tucker to see a 50/35 split in touches, with the remaining workload going to former third-round pick Rachaad White.
This news is a breath of fresh air to a Buccaneers team that has struggled to stay healthy throughout the season. In addition to Irving missing two months, the team has also lost Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and Tristan Wirfs for sizable portions of the season, while quarterback Baker Mayfield is currently battling through a shoulder injury of his own.
The Buccaneers face an Arizona Cardinals team in the midst of a tailspin. After starting the season with two straight wins, the team currently sits in the basement of the NFC West after dropping seven of its previous eight contests. This is a good game to ease Bucky Irving back from his injury, as the Buccaneers should win this game and probably won’t need the second-year pro to be a workhorse in this contest.
Main Photo: Kim Klement-Neitzel – Imagn Images
