The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could enter their Week 5 road matchup against the Seattle Seahawks shorthanded, and the long-term implications of the situation could be worrying.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, there is some intrigue around Buccaneers starting running back Bucky Irving’s status for next week. While nothing has been made official, the initial reporting suggests the issue is significant.
Irving is in his second season with the Buccaneers, who enter the contest at 3-1 after dropping their Week 4 tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles.
More NFL: Eagles’ Nick Sirianni Addresses AJ Brown Trade Rumors After Cryptic Tweet
“#Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving is still gathering medical opinions on what’s being termed an ankle and/or foot injury, sources tell me and @RapSheet,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on X on Tuesday. “No one has ruled Irving out vs. the #Seahawks but he’s sore and his status is up in the air as the Bucs return to practice tomorrow.”
There was some speculation about when Irving injured himself this past weekend.
Loading twitter content…
Irving was the No. 125 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
He has rushed for 237 yards on 71 carries this season, with his efficiency taking a significant dip from 5.4 yards per carry as a rookie to 3.3 this season.
More NFL: Micah Parsons Sends Dak Prescott Heartfelt Shout-Out After Packers-Cowboys
Heading into a matchup against the Seahawks, who are also 3-1, and looking for a bounce-back victory, the Buccaneers need all hands on deck. Even with Irving active, they enter the contest ranked 14th in scoring offense and 11th in rushing offense (124 yards per game).
If Irving isn’t healthy enough to play next week, Rachaad White will likely take over as the lead back. He currently ranks third on the team in rushing yards (109) behind Irving and quarterback Baker Mayfield (129). White has the Bucs’ only rushing touchdown this season.