The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue navigating their injury-riddled offense as they prepare for the stretch run of the season. Bucky Irving remains absent from the lineup with foot and shoulder injuries that have now sidelined him far longer than initially projected. With the team providing minimal updates on their star running back’s progress, should fantasy football managers expect a return anytime soon?
Bucky Irving Injury Update
Irving’s injury saga began during Tampa Bay’s Week 4 matchup against Philadelphia when he sustained a foot sprain. Somehow, the back managed to finish the game, even hauling in a spectacular 72-yard touchdown reception.
The initial concern appeared manageable until reports emerged that Irving was also dealing with an undisclosed shoulder subluxation that became the primary barrier to his return.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the shoulder injury constituted “more of an issue than his sprained foot” and was initially projected to sideline Irving for a minimum of two weeks. However, that timeline has now been completely blown past as Irving enters his fourth consecutive week of absence.
Irving has now missed Weeks 5-7. We are headed into Week 8 with Tampa Bay coming having provided virtually no concrete updates on his recovery progress. The team has maintained a week-to-week approach to his status, choosing not to place him on injured reserve despite the extended absence.
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The decision to avoid IR suggests the Buccaneers believed Irving could return within the four-game window that placement would require. However, the lack of any substantial progress reports has left fantasy managers and fans in the dark about his actual condition.
There are nearly three weeks between now and the Buccaneers’ Week 10 contest against Arizona. While the team has remained tight-lipped, this injury was initially described as a 2-3 3-week issue when it first occurred. Week 10 would mark six full weeks since Irving sustained the injuries, representing a significant extension beyond any original projections.
Irving appears poised to target a Week 10 return following the bye week recovery period, but fantasy managers await concrete word from head coach Todd Bowles as the team resumes practice activities this week. The prolonged silence from Tampa Bay regarding his progress has been concerning for those hoping for his imminent return.
Irving Fantasy Outlook
Irving had established himself as Tampa Bay’s undisputed RB1 before the injuries, accumulating 430 yards from scrimmage through four games and ranking sixth in the NFL at any position. His dynamic ability both as a runner and receiver made him a legitimate RB1 option in fantasy formats.
Rachaad White has assumed complete control of the backfield during Irving’s extended absence, posting solid numbers while handling the majority of touches. White has proven capable as a fill-in option but lacks Irving’s explosive playmaking ability that made him such a valuable fantasy asset.
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Fantasy managers who have held Irving through this prolonged absence should continue patience, as his talent level suggests he’ll immediately reclaim his starting role upon return. However, the complete lack of concrete updates from Tampa Bay makes it impossible to project his actual return timeline with confidence.
The extended recovery period should ensure Irving returns at full strength rather than risk re-injury, but the silence surrounding his progress remains the biggest concern for fantasy managers counting on his production for the season’s final stretch.
Week 8 RB Fantasy Rankings
1) Bijan Robinson | Atlanta Falcons (vs. MIA)
2) Christian McCaffrey | San Francisco 49ers (at HOU)
3) Jonathan Taylor | Indianapolis Colts (vs. TEN)
4) Josh Jacobs | Green Bay Packers (at PIT)
5) James Cook | Buffalo Bills (at CAR)
6) Derrick Henry | Baltimore Ravens (vs. CHI)
7) De’Von Achane | Miami Dolphins (at ATL)
8) Saquon Barkley | Philadelphia Eagles (vs. NYG)
9) Quinshon Judkins | Cleveland Browns (at NE)
10) Javonte Williams | Dallas Cowboys (at DEN)
11) J.K. Dobbins | Denver Broncos (vs. DAL)
12) D’Andre Swift | Chicago Bears (at BAL)
13) Rachaad White | Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at NO)
14) Cam Skattebo | New York Giants (at PHI)
15) Jaylen Warren | Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. GB)
16) Chase Brown | Cincinnati Bengals (vs. NYJ)
17) Alvin Kamara | New Orleans Saints (vs. TB)
18) Rico Dowdle | Carolina Panthers (vs. BUF)
19) Tony Pollard | Tennessee Titans (at IND)
20) Aaron Jones Sr. | Minnesota Vikings (at LAC)
21) Kimani Vidal | Los Angeles Chargers (vs. MIN)
22) Chuba Hubbard | Carolina Panthers (vs. BUF)
23) Jordan Mason | Minnesota Vikings (at LAC)
24) Rhamondre Stevenson | New England Patriots (vs. CLE)
25) Jacory Croskey-Merritt | Washington Commanders (at KC)