Bucs running back Bucky Irving has quickly become the team’s backfield workhorse, but he is also dealing with an injury that has raised concerns about his availability for Tampa Bay’s Week 5 game against the Seahawks.
Irving was spotted at practice on Wednesday, wearing a boot and utilizing crutches.
After head coach Todd Bowles said after the team’s Week 4 loss to the Eagles that Irving was someone he was concerned about, Bowles provided a further update on the star running back.
Bucs Will Know More “By Friday” On Whether Bucky Irving Will Play In Week 5
Following Wednesday’s walkthrough practice, Todd Bowles had this to say about whether Bucky Irving is trending in the direction of playing on Sunday.
“We’ll know more by Friday,” Bowles said. “Right now, it’s a sprain. They’re taking it day-to-day. If he’s not out of the boot by Friday, I’ll be more inclined to say he’s probably not going to play.”
This injury news came after a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Irving’s foot sprain is not feared to be something that would keep him out long-term. Instead, Schefter reported that is considered week-to-week.
Buccaneers do not fear Bucky Irving’s foot sprain is a long-term injury, per source. The team considers it a week-to week-injury. https://t.co/F1krIW7QEG
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 1, 2025
For a Bucs team that continues to get absolutely battered by injuries, being without Bucky Irving on Sunday would only make things more difficult for offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard as he attempts to gameplan and prepare for the Seahawks’ defense. Seattle’s unit has been stingy, and Irving is a key part in Grizzard finding an offensive balance between the run game and pass game.
Bucs RB Bucky Irving – Photo by: USA Today
The second-year running back exploded against the Eagles, recording five receptions for 102 yards, which included a long 72-yard touchdown. Irving also added 15 carries for 63 rushing yards, giving him 165 all-purpose yards in that game.
Taking on more responsibilities as the featured back this season, he has not had a game with fewer than 14 carries or four receptions. Fortunately for Tampa Bay, they have capable backs behind him that are more than able to hold down the fort for a game.
Rachaad White is the primary backup who would receive a large uptick in playing time. Outside of the Bucs’ Week 2 win over the Texans, White has been quiet. Still, he is someone who has become more efficient as a runner since entering the league and is also a plus receiving back. That would allow for a similar style offense, with Sean Tucker being bumped up the depth chart. Explosive with the balls in his hands, Tucker has just one carry for two rushing yards so far this season.
Expect a heavy dose of Rachaad White and Sean Tucker if Bucky Irving’s foot sprain keeps him out of action. In the event Irving does not play, undrafted running back Josh Williams would be elevated from the practice squad. Williams showcased promise throughout the preseason and could rotate in should the offense attempt more of a committee approach.
Stay tuned to PewterReport.com for the latest injury updates regarding Irving and the rest of the team’s players throughout this week.
Adam Slivon has covered the Bucs for four seasons with PewterReport.com as a Bucs Beat Writer, Social Media Manager, and Podcaster. Adam started as an intern during his time at the University of Tampa, where he graduated with a degree in Sport Management in May 2023.
In addition to his regular written content, he appears every Thursday on the Pewter Report Podcast, has a weekly YouTube Top 10 Takeaways video series, and leads the managing of the site's social media platforms.
As a Wisconsin native, he spent his childhood growing up on a farm and enjoys Culver's, kringle, and a quality game of cornhole. You can find him most often on X @AdamLivsOn.
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