Bucs RB Bucky Irving Set to Return in Week 13 vs. Cardinals - But With a Measured Workload
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for a pivotal Week 13 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, and they’ll be doing so with a familiar face back in the backfield. Rookie running back Bucky Irving is expected to suit up for the first time since Week 4, giving the Bucs a potential spark as they continue to jockey for position in the NFC South.
Irving was officially listed as questionable on the final injury report with both shoulder and foot issues, but all signs point to him being active for Sunday’s game at Raymond James Stadium. He practiced fully throughout the week - a strong indicator that the team feels good about his physical readiness. And according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, not only is Irving expected to play, but the plan is for him to get his touches, albeit with some caution as he eases back into game speed.
This return marks the end of a nearly two-month absence for the dynamic back, who last played in Week 4. In that game, Irving flashed the dual-threat ability that made him such an intriguing piece for Tampa’s offense. He carried the ball 15 times for 63 yards and added five catches for 102 yards and a touchdown - the kind of versatile performance that had fans buzzing about his long-term potential.
The Buccaneers know what they have in Irving: a compact, explosive runner with reliable hands and a knack for making defenders miss in space. But after missing several weeks, they’re not looking to overload him right out of the gate. Expect a rotational approach in the backfield, with Irving likely sharing snaps while the staff monitors how he holds up through contact.
Still, even a limited version of Bucky Irving gives Tampa a new wrinkle - especially against a Cardinals defense that has struggled to contain running backs both on the ground and through the air. If Irving can recapture even a fraction of his early-season form, he could be a difference-maker in a game the Bucs can’t afford to let slip.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on FOX, with both teams looking to gain momentum down the stretch. For Tampa, getting Irving back might just be the boost they need to keep pace in a tight divisional race.