Already ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Seahawks, it is now expected that Bucs running back Bucky Irving will be shelved for Tampa Bay’s Week 6 tilt against the 49ers, too. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sunday morning that, in addition to a foot sprain keeping Irving out of action, the dynamic back is also dealing with a shoulder injury.

Bucky Irving Alludes To Being Out Longer In Interesting Instagram Post

Taking to Instagram on Sunday morning, Bucky Irving posted something that suggests he is facing a greater battle than just a foot sprain.

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

“God gave his toughest battle to his toughest soldiers. Don’t cry for me when the war is over,” Irving said. “I died on the cross yesterday. My eyes open to who is here for me as a football player, and who is here for me as Mar’Keise Bucky Irving… These people in these pictures describe what pain looks like. I admire these people, we worry about the wrong things in I’ll come together as a community love one another and follow faith in Jesus’ name we all gotta come together.

“This is divine too many different ways. We [worry] about the wrong things in life. We just need to come together and love one another thing is about family 10 times just like. Open and see who’s really there for me as a football player and who is there for me as a person that actually care about me and love me for who I am. Can’t hide no more I gotta open up. I’ve been in this shell for too long. GOD is real.”

It is a tough break for Irving to miss this week but missing next week and even the possibility of a short-term stint on injury reserve would only add to the list of players the team has gone without for stretches this season. The offense is especially hurting, with right guard Cody Mauch out for the year, right tackle Luke Goedeke on injured reserve until at least Week 7, and wide receiver Mike Evans missing his second straight game with a hamstring injury. Not to mention, left tackle Tristan Wirfs and wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. are on the climb back.

Rachaad White And Sean Tucker Will Lead Bucs’ Backfield Until Further Notice

There is no doubt Bucky Irving was playing through pain against the Eagles, with this play being pointed out as the one that caused his foot sprain.

As it stands, Rachaad White will the starter this week and until there is more clarity on what Irving is going through. It sounds worse than originally expected, which is concerning after the elusive runner was a workhorse through the first four games. After 71 carries and 19 receptions, his usage might tone down a bit the rest of the season. It is not a bad idea, especially with White being one of the league’s better backups and Sean Tucker also being on hand to provide some juice.

Bucs RBs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Speaking to reporters last Thursday, offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard is excited for what White can do.

“I’m really fired up for Rachaad [White],” Grizzard said. “Rachaad in a really good spot. He’s been doing a hell of a job this year really in the run and the pass game. So, if it gets to that, [I have] full confidence in him to go out there and make some plays.”

Tucker has only one carry for two rushing yards this season, but Grizzard shared that his time will come, too.

“I think it’s [dependent on] each week on what are those plays where we want to get him in there to try to get him the ball?” Grizzard said. “Last week, of course, got a little sideways early in terms of the score, so it made it a little bit harder to try to get the ball to different guys, but he’s doing a good job in practice, and his time will come.”