Concerns are growing regarding Bucky Irving’s absence during OTAs, especially after he missed multiple games last season and struggled to regain his rookie form upon returning from injury. Should we be worried about his availability and production for the upcoming season?
Personally, I’m not as concerned about Bucky as some local media outlets seem to be. This time of year often lacks significant football news, so any story garners attention. Yes, Irving dealt with injuries last year that affected his performance, but I don’t see the shoulder issue as a major concern heading into the new season or even training camp. I’d prefer he focus on rehabilitation during OTAs rather than pushing through and risking further injury. We need him at his best when the games really count.
The bigger question is whether Bucky will be continually plagued by injuries. As a smaller running back who runs hard and breaks through tackles aggressively, he may be more susceptible to injuries, which could accumulate over time. However, I believe the Bucs have already taken this into consideration by signing Kenneth Gainwell during free agency. Gainwell, also a smaller back, has the advantage of not having missed a single regular-season game in his career—83 games over four years.
Newly signed running back – Kenneth Gainwell
The Bucs aren’t attempting to replace Irving but rather ensuring they have a reliable RB1 available for every game. Gainwell is an explosive runner, an excellent pass catcher, and a solid pass blocker. If either player were to get injured, the team should be able to cope. However, if they manage to keep both healthy throughout the season, this position group could emerge as one of the best in the league.
I think where there is smoke, there is usually fire. Bucky Irving was never built to be the bell cow. Unfortunately, he sort of became that until he got hurt. 195 pound guys can't take the same abuse a 225 pound guy can. He should be a compliment to a bruiser-type back.....but he's not and we haven't given a look at becoming that. I think he is destined for a short career in the NFL if things don't change. So yes, I am very concerned about the shoulder injury.
The bigger question is whether Bucky will be continually plagued by injuries
Well, the idiot HC and his puppet OC thought it was a great idea to increase his workload by 30%, despite not having the frame to carry the offense.
Not to mention the other 2 backs were outproducing him on nearly every level.
We'll be more than fine with KW and Tuck (assuming Bucky misses time).
Yes absolutely concerned. And not so much the covering time if he's back in August but if it lingers and missed regular season action.
then, you look at last year, appreciate he had multiple injuries but we were led by media to believe he was close to a return and he missed several more weeks, then rumors of mental issues over physical.
we will see how this one plays out but hard to be optimistic given Bowles mentioning fall time frame as a possible return date + coupled with last year
given Bowles mentioning fall time frame as a possible return date + coupled with last yea
This is the part that causes the worry.
Its possible he had some kind of setback that changed the timing BUT they have presumably known the nature of his shoulder injury since last season. That means they have known the most likely comeback timing for a long time, but isn't this the first time they have mentioned "fall?"
I said in season last year that the running back should be a focus in our off-season as I knew White was gone.
I was big on us getting a Jonah Coleman type as I just love his game, he played at Washington where we seem to have some connection, and he's a bruiser, someone who is built for the position.
Warrick Dunn is a rare find, most can't avoid and roll like he did. Bucky is a great running back when healthy but so far he's one for two on staying on the field. Gainwell will be a great Buc but we could use someone a little more punishing and durable.
It is going to be the KG/Tucker/Williams show for a while.
I'd be more concerned if it was leg related. Still somewhat concerned but in the end, we have some solid depth... None of the others are the playmaker Bucky is tho.
I agree with most of these posts. I’m not overly concerned because it’s only OTAs and the Bucs went out and got Gainwell. But also, don’t get it wrong, Irving is our best true running back. We are not better off without him. This offense is at its best with a healthy Bucky involved.
None of the others are the playmaker Bucky is tho.
Tucker is, and has always been, the biggest home run threat out of the backfield.
It is going to be the KG/Tucker/Williams show for a while.
And, we’ll be perfectly fine with that trio.
None of the others are the playmaker Bucky is tho.
Tucker is, and has always been, the biggest home run threat out of the backfield.
Disagree but he definitely can make plays so it's splitting hairs
Bucky has that wiggle and elusiveness part to his skillset, that's unmatched by any back on our roster. It's top notch.
But, Tucker has ELITE speed, that no other back on this team has.
Unlike our other backs, once he hits 2nd gear, he's not getting run down from behind.
Both leave a lot to desire with pass blocking (Bucky might be the worst I've ever seen).
Regardless, we've got a very solid RB room that can make some noise.
None of the others are the playmaker Bucky is tho.
Tucker is, and has always been, the biggest home run threat out of the backfield.
Disagree but he definitely can make plays so it's splitting hairs
Bucky has that wiggle and elusiveness part to his skillset, that's unmatched by any back on our roster. It's top notch.
But, Tucker has ELITE speed, that no other back on this team has.
Unlike our other backs, once he hits 2nd gear, he's not getting run down from behind.
Both leave a lot to desire with pass blocking (Bucky might be the worst I've ever seen).
Regardless, we've got a very solid RB room that can make some noise.
Agreed. Tucker doesn't have the vision tho. Bucky and Gainwell are far better.
Only Gainwell can block with any consistency.
If Tucker has a wide open hole and doesn't have to make too many people miss, he's the back you want... But those are rare.
Bucky can turn nothing into something but he can be brought down from behind fairly easily.