Bucky Irving injury update: Buccaneers RB exits game vs. Raiders
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving suffered multiple injuries in Week 13 that he carried into the Week 14 matchup with the Raiders. One lingering issue appears to have cost him on Sunday against Las Vegas.
The rookie's absence would be a significant setback for Tampa Bay, which is aiming for a fourth consecutive NFC South title. Irving is the reigning NFC Offensive Player of the Week and has been one of the NFL's preeminent breakout players in 2024.
Here's the latest on the Buccaneers running back's status:
Bucky Irving injury update
After the win over the Raiders, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles provided no update on Irving.
However, ESPN’s Jenna Laine shared on X that Irving was “walking fine” in the locker room and was “in good spirits” after the game.
Tampa Bay listed Irving as doubtful to return with a back injury before the fourth quarter.
Bucky Irving exited the game early in the second quarter. It's unclear whether or not he paid a visit to the blue medical tent, but he has not returned to the game.
Irving last received a carry with 14:24 remaining in the second quarter, with the Bucs leading 14-0.
The Buccaneers star rookie returned to practice on Friday, logging a limited session and was officially listed as questionable for Week 14. Irving is listed as having hip and back injuries, though ESPN's Jenna Laine labeled the ailment as a hip pointer.
Bucky Irving stats
Irving rushed four times for three yards and caught his lone target for 15 yards before he exited on Sunday.
Irving leads all rookies in scrimmage yards (1,017) and rushing yards (732) while tied for the rookie lead in rushing touchdowns (6). He also ranks fourth among all NFL players in yards per touch (6.1), trailing only Jahmyr Gibbs, Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry.
Bucccaneers RB depth chart
Here's how the Buccaneers depth chart would look if Irving missed time:
The Bucs have two healthy running backs on their 53-man roster outside Irving. White would assume most of the workload, but second-year back Sean Tucker would be a complement. Tucker received his largest workload this season when White missed Week 6. He finished with 135 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground and added 56 receiving yards and a score through the air.
Rachaad White dominated the day, with Irving injured early on. White finished with 17 carries for 90 yards and a score and added 2 receptions for 19 yards and a receiving score.
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