Bucky Irving Injury Update: Will Buccaneers RB Return Before Week 8 Bye?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving will miss his third straight game due to foot and shoulder injuries, leaving fans wondering when he will return to action. The 23-year-old rookie has been sidelined since Week 4 and will not play in the Buccaneers’ Monday Night Football clash against the Detroit Lions in Week 7.

Irving’s absence has been felt on offense as Tampa Bay continues its strong start to the 2025 season. The team improved to 5-1 after a 30-19 win over the San Francisco 49ers, but Irving’s explosive playmaking ability has been missing from the backfield. He had recorded a team-high 237 rushing yards before the injury.

Bucky Irving Return Timeline and Latest Status

According to team reports and league sources, Irving has been ruled out for Week 7 and has not participated in any practices since Week 4. He was seen in a walking boot before Week 5, a clear sign that his recovery is still ongoing. Despite the extended absence, the Buccaneers have chosen not to place him on injured reserve (IR), which would require him to miss a minimum of four games.

This decision suggests that the team expects Irving to return sooner rather than later. Tampa Bay has a bye in Week 9, and many analysts believe the most likely scenario is a return in Week 8 against the New Orleans Saints — or a more cautious approach, holding him out until Week 10 after the bye. If Irving does not return before the break, the extra time would give him nearly six weeks to fully recover.

Head coach Todd Bowles has not offered a definitive timeline, but his comments indicate optimism. “We’re hopeful to have some of our guys back soon,” Bowles said when discussing the team’s injury situation ahead of Week 7. “We’re taking it day by day with Bucky.”

The Buccaneers’ backfield rotation has shifted in Irving’s absence. Veteran Rachaad White has stepped up as the lead back, rushing for 106 yards and three touchdowns over the past two games. Rookie Sean Tucker is expected to see more opportunities as well, with depth further tested by Josh Williams’ injury.

Impact on Buccaneers Offense and NFC Outlook

Tampa Bay’s offense has continued to produce despite the injuries, thanks in large part to quarterback Baker Mayfield’s MVP-caliber performance. Still, Irving’s absence limits the team’s rushing versatility and reduces explosive plays out of the backfield — a key element that could make a difference in tight NFC matchups.

The Buccaneers currently sit atop the NFC with the conference’s best record at 5-1. A Week 7 win over the Lions would strengthen their hold on the top seed, but their long-term success could depend on the return of players like Irving and wide receiver Chris Godwin, who is also out for a second consecutive game.

How the team manages Irving’s recovery could have playoff implications. Returning too early risks aggravating the injury, while resting him through the bye could ensure he is fully healthy for the critical second half of the season.

For now, all signs point to a potential return in Week 8, but if not, Week 10 following the bye week appears to be the safest target. Tampa Bay will continue to monitor Bucky Irving’s progress closely as they push toward an NFC title run.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When will Bucky Irving return?

He is ruled out for Week 7 and could return as early as Week 8. If not, Week 10 after the bye is the most likely target.

Q2: What is Bucky Irving’s injury?

Irving is dealing with foot and shoulder injuries sustained before Week 5. He has not practiced since Week 4.

Q3: Why hasn’t Tampa Bay placed him on injured reserve?

The team believes he could return soon. Placing him on IR would require at least four games missed, so they’ve kept that option off the table.

Q4: How has Rachaad White performed in Irving’s absence?

White has rushed for over 100 yards and scored three touchdowns in the past two games, stepping up as the lead back.

Q5: What’s next for the Buccaneers?

Tampa Bay faces the Lions in Week 7, followed by a divisional matchup in Week 8 before a Week 9 bye.