Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving has no restrictions as camp opens, HC Todd Bowles said. Irving missed most of the offseason program after February shoulder surgery but got back on the field for June minicamp. He's on track to be full-go for the start of the season.
What They're Saying: Feeling good
Bowles on Irving: "He feels fine, he's great. He's full speed. He's full-go right now. Obviously, when we get in pads, we're not easing him back from anything. So, we feel pretty good right now."
Irving: "Shoulder [is] feeling good. I just want to thank the training staff and everyone that helped me on the road to recovery. Just taking it day-by-day. I just want to give a big thanks to them for helping me get back to where I want to be."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Health Up, Role Down?
The health questions seem to be behind Irving at this point. Now the spotlight turns to his role in Tampa Bay's 2026 backfield.
Irving struggled mightily last year, ranking bottom two among 51 qualifying RBs in yards per carry, rush yards over expected per carry, and yards after contact per carry.
Now he must contend with RB Kenneth Gainwell, who got a two-year, $14 million deal from the Bucs in free agency. Gainwell is coming off a 73-catch season and is a particular threat to Irving's receiving work. RB Sean Tucker is also back as a potential goal-line vulture. Irving didn't get a single carry inside the five-yard line last season after struggling at the goal line as a rookie.
Losing passing-down and goal-line work would make it tough for Irving to be a fantasy difference-maker. We'll continue to keep tabs on Tampa Bay's backfield leading up to Week 1.
