Bucky Irving is back: Buccaneers RB returns to OTAs after shoulder surgery

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been awaiting the return of Bucky Irving after he underwent shoulder surgery earlier this offseason.

Irving missed seven games during the 2025 season, and head coach Todd Bowles had fans worried when he suggested the running back’s return could come later this summer or even in the fall.

That cryptic update left fans wondering how much time Irving would miss, but just a few weeks later, he returned to action at Buccaneers OTAs.

Bucky Irving returns from injury at Buccaneers OTAs

Bucky Irving is participating in the team’s final OTA session, marking his first on-field work of the offseason.

Pewter Report’s Matt Matera shared a video of Irving getting work in during practice, much to the delight of Bucs fans everywhere. 

It’s one of the best developments of the offseason for Tampa Bay. The team is hopeful its star running back can return to form and recapture the success of his 2024 rookie season, when he rushed for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns.

The biggest obstacle preventing Irving from matching that production in 2025 was injuries. Getting him healthy — and keeping him healthy — will be a key priority heading into the season.

Irving will be joined by newcomer Kenny Gainwell, a capable runner and receiver who should help lighten his workload and keep him fresh throughout the year.

The Buccaneers have the potential to field one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks in 2026 thanks to that duo, along with Sean Tucker as the third option in the backfield.

The sky is the limit for this new-look Bucs offense under Zac Robinson, and Irving will be one of the most important pieces if Tampa Bay is going to reach its full potential.

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