It’s too early to get our hopes up, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers received some excellent news on Wednesday.
Bucky Irving has been sidelined since September with ankle and shoulder injuries, a situation that has taken a key piece of the Bucs' offense off the board for a large chunk of the season. It’s been reported that the ankle injury has since healed, and it’s been the shoulder injury keeping him on the sidelines. Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed those reports on Monday, saying they still need to see him take a hit.
Irving wasn’t able to take a hit at Wednesday’s walk-through practice, but he did make his much-anticipated return to the offense, per multiple media reports, including BucsGamedays, River Wells.
The great wait is over — Bucky Irving is here, taking some handoffs in walkthrough. Ben Bredeson is also here with a sleeve on his leg.
— River Wells (@riverhwells) November 12, 2025
We’ll get an update from Todd Bowles soon… #Bucs #GoBucs pic.twitter.com/yH9DKhyOqc
The Bucs offense desperately needs Irving to return. The offense has gone stagnant over the last few weeks, and his ability to make defenders miss will be a welcome addition. Seeing Irving take handoffs at practice was an encouraging sign that it could become a reality, potentially as soon as Sunday against the Bills.
Take a look at who is practicing this morning for the Bucs 👀
— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) November 12, 2025
Bucky Irving is taking handoffs from Baker Mayfield. pic.twitter.com/i93IWDT6Hh
The Bucs' running game has lacked consistent production and explosive plays with Irving sidelined. Rachaad White and Sean Tucker have produced just two 100-yard rushing games in Irving’s absence. Some of the issues have been the offensive line play in front of them, but that’s why they need Irving back, as his ability to make something out of nothing has been pivotal to the offense’s success.
If Irving can go on Sunday it would come at the perfect time for a struggling Bucs offense. The Bills defense has been gashed on the ground all season allowing 147.6 yards per game. Their 30th ranked run defense, is already down Ed Oliver, on injured reserve, and lost third round-rookie Landon Jackson on Sunday to injury. The Bills have struggled with missed tackles all season and the electric tackle-breaking back would be a welcomed addition to the Bucs offense.
In addition to Irving’s return, left guard Ben Bredeson was also seen at practice with a sleeve on his injured hamstring. His return is inspiring for the Bucs offense as it signals the MRI found no significant damage. Tampa Bay just got Luke Goedeke back in the lineup and can not afford any more injuries on the line.