One of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ biggest problems last season was the injury bug, and RB Bucky Irving was hit hard by it.

After a fantastic rookie season in 2024 in which he ran for more than 1,100 yards, Irving regressed in 2025, and the biggest reason was his health.

Advertisement

Irving ended the season with significant drop offs in yards (1,122 to 588), yards per carry (5.4 to 3.4) and touchdowns (eight to one).

He also missed seven games due to injuries, and when he was healthy enough to play, Irving’s shoulder was still bothering him to the point where it required offseason surgery.

Irving still isn’t healthy enough to practice, per his new offensive coordinator.

“Obviously, we’re missing him right now,” Zac Robinson told reporters this week, noting that the Bucs will learn more about Irving’s status later.

It has been widely reported that Irving has been rehabbing at One Buc Place recently and working in the team’s offseason program.

Advertisement

It was first reported in February that Irving had undergone surgery and that the injury wouldn’t significantly impact Irving’s offseason activities.

As of now, there’s no evidence that Irving won’t be ready for training camp, and there’s certainly nothing to suggest that he won’t be ready come Week 1.

Still, it’s something to monitor.

For one, Irving is Tampa’s best running back, and when he’s at his best, he’s one of the best players in Tampa’s offense.

Depth at the position is also essential.

On the one hand, signing Kenneth Gainwell, who was the Pittsburgh Steelers’ team MVP in 2025, could make it easier to get by should Irving’s health continue to betray him.

Advertisement

On the other, having multiple quality running backs is essential in today’s NFL.

Case in point, last year’s Super Bowl champs.

The Seattle Seahawks got significant contributions from Kenneth Walker (1,027 yards, five TD, 4.6 yards per carry, Super Bowl MVP) and Zach Charbonnet (730 yards, 12 TD, 4.0 YPC) last season.

The team Seattle beat in the Super Bowl also had a running back by committee approach and had success.

Treveyon Henderson (911 yards, nine touchdowns, 5.1 YPC) and Rhamondre Stevenson (603 yards, seven touchdowns, 4.6 YPC) were both big reasons why the New England Patriots won the AFC.

Advertisement

If injuries continue to plague QB Baker Mayfield and the Bucs receivers take a step back without Mike Evans, the need for a quality running game will be magnified, and that starts with Irving.

Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It’s free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!