Bucky Irving returns to the practice field for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery in February, providing a positive sign for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense ahead of training camp.
Irving was spotted participating in individual drills during voluntary OTAs. He took handoffs and caught passes from quarterback Baker Mayfield. Irving did not participate in team drills.
Bucs RB Bucky Irving is doing drills today at OTAs for the first time this offseason since his shoulder surgery. #GoBucs pic.twitter.com/wzoQ3r1wxw
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) June 11, 2026
“Yeah, Bucky’s done a lot of things,” Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said Thursday. “We expect him to be ready for the summer.”
Bucky Irving Returns to the Practice Field for the First Time Since Shoulder Surgery
On May 26, Bowles’ comments regarding Irving’s participation status raised some eyebrows when he said the team expected him back “in the summer or fall,” creating some uncertainty about Irving’s health with the season approaching. Later, sources confirmed that the Buccaneers expected Irving to return by the start of training camp in late July.
It was Irving’s first active participation in Tampa Bay’s OTAs. He underwent shoulder surgery in February to address ongoing instability stemming from the shoulder injury he sustained early last season.
Bucky Irving back in action: pic.twitter.com/aQHF2rQSL1
— River Wells (@riverhwells) June 11, 2026
Bucky Irving missed seven games last season. He suffered ankle and shoulder injuries in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
When Irving returned to the field in Week 13, he struggled. He averaged 3.4 yards per carry and did not rush for more than 100 yards in a single game.
It was a stark contrast from Irving’s rookie season in 2024, when he played in all 17 of the Buccaneers’ games and averaged 5.4 yards per carry. That season, he became the first Buccaneer since 2015 to rush for 1,000 yards.
Tampa Bay’s Offense Is at Its Best When Irving Is on the Field
Irving’s decline in production and availability had a significant impact on Tampa Bay’s offense. In 2024, the Buccaneers ranked third in the NFL with 5.3 yards per carry. That number dropped to 4.1 yards per carry in 2025, ranking 26th in the league. Tampa Bay’s rushing-yard total fell from 2,536 to 1,947.
Other factors contributed to the Buccaneers’ rushing offense decline. Tampa Bay’s offensive line, which remained healthy for most of 2024, was battered by injuries in 2025. Guard Cody Mauch suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2. Starting tackles Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke missed multiple games, and guard Ben Bredeson suffered a season-ending injury in Week 14.
Former offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard struggled in his first season as a play-caller after Liam Coen left to become the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coach. Tampa Bay’s scoring average decreased from 29.5 points per game in 2024 to 22.4 in 2025.
However, the impact of Irving’s absence was noted by Bowles in November.
“He could make you miss in the open field and in the hole. So, he got extra yards because he was more jittery and one-cut and still full speed. There are all different kinds of running backs. The other two are very good, as well, but Bucky could make one or two guys miss and make you miss, and make the O-line look a little better. So we miss that type of dynamic, I think, when you talk about our offense,” Bowles said.
Irving’s return to the practice field is a welcome sight for the Buccaneers’ offense as it tries to return to its high-scoring ways.
Next week, June 16-18, Tampa Bay will hold its mandatory minicamp, which will wrap up OTAs. After that, the Buccaneers will not return to the practice field until training camp begins in late July.
Irving’s level of participation will continue to be a key storyline throughout the summer.
Main Image: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
