Bucky Irving will join Baker Mayfield on the court against the Cardinals
For Week 13 matchup with Arizona Cardinals (3-8)the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5) will have guard Bucky Irving in their lineup. Out since Week 4 with shoulder and ankle injuriesIrving was listed as questionable, but he is he expects to playaccording to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The 23-year-old second-year running back has recorded 237 yards on 71 carries in four games this season, averaging 3.3 yards per attempt. He contributed 430 total yards and two total touchdowns, along with one lost fumble.
Irving’s return comes at a crucial time. Tampa Bay has lost three straight games, including last week’s 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, in which quarterback Baker Mayfield left at halftime and was replaced by Teddy Bridgewater, who was ineffective. Mayfield, who was listed as questionable with a left shoulder problem, is also expected to playgiving the Buccaneers their starting signal caller back, along with a fully beefed-up Irving.
Tampa Bay’s backfield has been carried in Irving’s absence by Rachel White, who has 414 yards on 104 carries this season (4.0 average), and Sean Tucker, who has gained 243 yards in the last four games and scored three total touchdowns. While productive, neither has fully replaced Irving’s big-play potential, which was evident during his rookie season when he totaled 1,122 carries for 207 yards (5.4-yard average) with eight rushing touchdowns and added 47 receptions for 392 yards.
The Buccaneers offense has been hampered by injuries to veteran receivers. Mike Evans remains on injured reserve with a collarbone injury and Chris Godwin has played just three games this season. Rookie Emeka Egbuka provided some relief, but Irving’s presence in the backcourt will relieve pressure on the passing game and provide a more balanced offensive attack.
2025-11-30 06:26:00
