It appears that things have gone from bad to worse for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when it comes to the health of Bucky Irving.
Tampa Bay's star running back was injured in the team's Week 4 loss to Philadelphia, seemingly hurting his foot on a controversial fumble in the third quarter. While he was able to finish the game, and have an impact thanks to a 72-yard touchdown catch, Irving popped up on the injury report a few days later and didn't practice at all during the week.
A foot injury was the initial reason given for his absence, and a lot was made about him being at practice in a boot, but it's his shoulder that might keep him out for longer than initially thought.
ESPN's Adam Schefter gave the latest update on Irving, and it's the last thing anyone in Tampa wants to hear. While Bucky isn't expected to be lost for the season, he's probably going to miss at least two weeks thanks to the shoulder -- not the foot -- injury he suffered.
"Bucky Irving’s shoulder injury, which he did not report to the team until Tuesday last week, is more of an issue than his sprained foot, per sources. Irving is dealing with a shoulder subluxation that is expected to sideline him at least two weeks," Schefter reported. "Irving will not play today vs. the Seahawks, and he’s not expected back for next week’s game vs. the 49ers, either."
Buccaneers not having Bucky Irving for multiple weeks is absolutely devastating
This is about as close to a nightmare scenario as it gets, and things were already pretty bleak. Injuries have taken out key players like Mike Evans and Luke Goedeke and ended the season for others like Cody Mauch and Calijah Kancey. Irving is essential to Tampa Bay's offense succeeding and not having him on the field -- in combination with the other injuries -- is devestating.
Not having him for multiple weeks borders on being potentially fatal. Up next the Bucs have games against San Francisco and Detroit, and then have a coast-to-coast trip from Buffalo to Los Angeles not long after. The schedule is not going to get any easier and the Bucs need everyone they possibly can to help keep the season from going off the rails.
We'll see how much time he ends up missing, and the best thing for everyone is to rest him as long as needed, but losing Irving for any period of time is the absolute last thing Tampa Bay needs.
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