The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost running back Bucky Irving to shoulder and foot injuries in Week 4, and he's been sidelined ever since.
The injury situation drew a lot of attention leaguewide due to the lack of information available, a Todd Bowles special, and the team's unorthodox decision to not place him on injured reserve despite missing two months.
It was revealed last week that the reason behind Irving's mysterious long-term absence had to do with personal mental health struggles that were hindering him and kept him off the field.
Thankfully, Irving seems to be in a much better place now, and his return for the Buccaneers is seemingly on the horizon.
Bucky Irving expected to return for the Buccaneers in Week 13 vs. Cardinals
Speaking to the media on Monday, Bowles said that Irving will practice all week and if he's fine on Friday, he will finally make his return on Sunday against the Cardinals.
The Bucs will be ecstatic to bring Irving back into the fold, and his return should provide a major boost to a reeling offense. In his four games this season, he rushed for 237 yards and added 19 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns
As a rookie last season, Irving rushed for 1,122 yards on a robust 5.4 yards per carry with eight touchdowns, while also adding 47 catches for 392 yards as a viable receiving threat.
He quickly became a fan favorite in Tampa Bay during his prolific rookie year, complete with “Bucky!” chants at every home game, and his comeback not only strengthens the offense, but also injects some much-needed excitement into a fanbase reeling from a three-game losing streak.
More important than any on-field impact he'll have is the simple fact that Irving’s health has taken a step forward, both physically and mentally. His wellbeing reigns supreme, and seeing him in a better place is the biggest win of all. If he returns as expected on Sunday, the Raymond James Stadium crowd will be more than ready to give him the hero’s welcome he deserves.