Bucs rookie running back Bucky Irving has been brilliant in the early start of his career. The hype around him grows bigger and bigger by the day as it’s gotten to the point where Bucs fans are chanting his name after every play he makes. It’s also gotten to the point where everyone is clamoring for him to either get more reps or even start. That of course is only possible if he’s available.

There was a concern during Thursday’s practice for the Bucs as Irving was not seen participating. He had popped up on Wednesday’s injury report listed on there with a limited participation status. So the fact that he didn’t practice at all the next day could be a concern, especially given that it’s a hamstring injury to a running back.

Bucky Irving Addresses Availability 

Bucs RB Bucky Irving – Photo by: USA Today

We were able to speak with Irving via zoom later in the day, who assured that the hamstring injury won’t be a problem.

“I feel pretty great,” Irving said. “Just dialed in on the game right now and looking forward to playing on Sunday.”

When later asked about if the hamstring injury occurred last game or it happened in practice, he didn’t want to share the specifics other than confirming that he’s ready for the next game.

“I don’t want to go into details,” Irving said. “I’ll be ready for the game on Sunday.”

What’s Been Working For Bucky Irving?

Through three games Bucky Irving has rushed for 154 yards on 25 attempts with an average of 6.2 yards per attempt. He’s already ripped off two 30+ yard runs, including a 32-yarder last game where Irving was tackled at the one-yard line, coming so close to his first career touchdown.

Bucky Irving has been the best running early on as he leads the team in rushing yards over Rachaad White 154 to 66. There’s been a specific area that’s been working for Irving in particular, and that’s the gap scheme blocking that the Bucs’ offensive line has done when blocking for him. Tampa Bay runs zone blocking as well, but they’ve struggled in that facet, performing much better with gap blocking.

Bucs RB Bucky Irving – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Irving is much more familiar with that type of offense, which has boded well for him early on, such as on his big run from last game.

“It was a gap-scheme play,” Bucky Irving began. “That’s something that I ran pretty well in college, we ran that a tremendous amount of times at Oregon. That’s the kind of play that I’m familiar with and used to. When they call those types of runs I get excited for them.”

Some have overlooked Irving because of his smaller stature, but it’s also been an advantage for him because it’s tougher to see him at the line of scrimmage and Irving doesn’t need to take as much room to get through the hole. For a long time he’s made it his mission to show why they should never doubt him.

“Once we get past the line of scrimmage, your instincts and your ability have to kick in as a football player,” Bucky Irving said. “That’s something I always went by, because being so small people always doubted me that I wouldn’t be able to play at this level, I wouldn’t be able to play at the college level. Always been doubted my whole life. I just figured I had to bring an edge to my game to make a spark. I always try to not let the first man bring me down and that’s the motto that I go by.”

Earlier in the week head coach Todd Bowles said that Bucky Irving has earned more reps. For the Bucs’ sake, let’s hope that Bowles’ statements were true when they play this Sunday against the Eagles in an important NFC matchup.