Just when we thought there would be some good injury news for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fans were hit with another wave of bummer vibes on Friday.
Despite returning to unpadded practice this week, Bucky Irving has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Irving hasn't played since September when he was injured in the loss to Philadelphia, and it's been a bizarre ride ever since.
He was never formally placed on injured reserve but Irving has now missed about as much time as he would have if he'd been designated for return. We saw that happen with Luke Goedeke, who was injured in Week 2's win over Houston and only returned last Sunday after suffering a foot injury.
Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving will not play against the Bills on Sunday. Todd Bowles said those two have been ruled out, as have guard Ben Bredeson and outside lineabackers Haason Reddick and Markees Watts.
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) November 14, 2025
The loss of Irving is yet another annoying kick in the shin to fans who have been waiting for the roster to be fully healthy. Not a single game this season has been played where the Bucs have had every offensive weapon on the field at the same time, and it's looking like we might not see that at all.
In addition to Irving being ruled out, Chris Godwin will miss yet another week as he battles back from a fibula injury. Godwin hasn't played since the win in Seattle, and the concerning part of his injury is that it's a new one rather than a reaggrevation of the season-ending ankle injury he suffered last October.
None of this is good news, and it hardly does much to correct the gnarly vibes that are brewing in Tampa. While the Bucs are 6-3 and have a comfortable lead over Carolina and Atlanta, they're failing to beat the NFC South Merchant allegations and another tough game awaits them this weekend.
The Bucs aren't a bad team, but they're going into Buffalo to play an angry Bills team without Irving, Godwin, or Mike Evans. Somehow they still have more than a fighting chance to win -- which goes to show just how talented the team is and how dangerous it could be with all its pieces on the board.
It won't be easy, though, and this is yet another bummer update about one of the Buccaneers' most exciting and important players.