Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving endured a rough second season in 2025, losing seven games to a shoulder injury that eventually required offseason surgery. And when he did take the field, Irving saw his rushing efficiency and goal-line opportunities fall off. He slid from 5.4 yards per carry in 2024 to just 3.4 last season, while his rushing-success rate fell from 55.1% (sixth among qualifying RBs) to 41.6% (46th among 48 qualifiers). Tampa also gave Irving no carries inside the 5-yard line, splitting nine such opportunities between Sean Tucker (seven) and Rachaad White (two) in the 10 games Irving played. But there's reason for optimism in Year 3.
What They're Saying: 'Bucky is a Stud'
New OC Zac Robinson, per Pewter Report: "Bucky is a stud. Watching him in 2024, he's an explosive play waiting to happen. Obviously, you guys saw it up close every single game. He's just got such a great attitude and a great spirit about him. ... Obviously, the talent speaks for itself. The way he runs the football, his feet are always in the ground, so he's always able to change direction and, obviously, that keeps him so balanced to be able to break tackles. The versatility he has in the pass game and the run game, he's done a great job."
Pewter Report's Adam Slivon on Aug. 9: "Kenny Gainwell had one of his most explosive training camp practices on Sunday. While Gainwell has not toted the rock much, he has emerged as a dynamic receiving back. Much of that has come on short screens and swing passes to the outside."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Irving More Attractive at Depressed ADP
The Bucs let White walk for a tiny, one-year deal with Washington while signing Gainwell at $7 million a year in free agency. That clearly indicates they view him as an upgrade over White, but it doesn't appear as though we should view the contract as an indictment on Irving.
The incumbent has also fared well as a receiver dating back to college. Even last season found Irving ranking eigth in yards per route among 40 RBs who drew 30+ targets. Irving led last year's Bucs RBs in targets per game and siphoned receiving work from White as his rookie season progressed.
Irving will clearly face a challenge from Gainwell on that front, but he's capable of producing fantasy points even while splitting targets. If Irving can also win back some goal-line work, the ceiling would only rise higher.
Last year looked bad on that front, but Irving scored six of his eight rookie-year rushing TDs from inside the 10-yard line.
Irving looked like a high-risk fantasy pick at his best ball ADP in the mid-teens early this draft season. But his current position at or near the bottom of RB2 territory across formats makes him a more attractive click.
Gainwell fits fine as RB38 in our consensus PPR ADP, though you shouldn't plan on more than handcuff-level value from him as of now.
Tucker should only be a late-round consideration, primarily for best ball formats.
