Bucs beat writer Rick Stroud gave Bucs fans dreadful injury news about star running back Bucky Irving. The shoulder injury remains lingering, and taking hits will make it worse. So far, it appears the team doesn't plan to practice Irving in any full capacity this week.
Todd Bowles says it’s a shoulder injury that’s keeping Bucky Irving out. He has to be able to take a hit and it doesn’t look like they plan to test it this week.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) November 10, 2025
This is a tough pill to swallow after Bucs fans assumed Irving would be healed out of the bye. For some reason, the Bucs elected not to place Irving on the injured list, despite him not playing since Week 4.
What's even more frustrating for fans is the cryptic attitude the Bucs have delt surrounding injury. After Irving was hit in Week 4 by Eagles Linebacker Jihaad Campbell, he was removed from the game. Following halftime, he returned and played the remainder of the contest.
Bucs fans receive heartbreaking injury update about Bucky Irving
A couple of days later, Adam Schefter reported that Irving was dealing with a foot sprain, separate from the original injury. Although he was spotted in a walking boot and crutches, fans remained optimistic since the team elected to keep him on the active roster.
These injuries were six weeks ago, and Irving has yet to practice. Even if the Bucs have the NFC South locked up this season, there is a tough road ahead. The Bucs play in Buffalo against the Bills in Week 11, and follow that up with a cross-country trip to Los Angeles for a Sunday Night matchup against the Rams.
The Buccaneers have lost two of three entering these crucial matchups, and still have two games against the 5-5 Carolina Panthers at the end of the year. The Bucs need Irving healed, but back on the field, pronto.
With Irving in the lineup, Tampa Bay's offense is much more dynamic, and big plays are common. Without Irving's rushing threat, teams can sit back and play the pass, and dare Rachaad White and Sean Tucker to beat them.
These two backs have struggled mightily in Irving's absence. The second-year back out of Oregon took over the lead back role halfway through last season and never faltered. From Week 12-16, Irving rushed for 110+ yards three times and was electric in the pass game.
The 2024 fourth-round pick is missed in Tampa Bay, and Bucs fans want answers. The lack of injury updates and clear oversight on severity leaves fans not confident in other notable injuries. Whether it's Irving, Godwin, Evans, or others, the Bucs must get healthy quickly to finish the season strong.