The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already been hit hard by injuries, but at least one more scare appears to have passed.
After Baker Mayfield was ruled out with a dislocated thumb and Jalen McMillan was set to miss multiple weeks because of a knee injury, concern briefly shifted to Bucky Irving. The starting running back didn’t appear on the field for the offense’s final two possessions, and a sideline shot showing what looked like a wrap around his waist and back only added to the unease.
Todd Bowles put that talk to bed.
"No, he's not on [the] injury report," Bowles told the media when questioned about whether or not Irving is dealing with any sort of injury.
That’s a major relief for a Tampa Bay offense that has been desperate for sparks through the first three weeks. Irving has been the one steady force in the backfield, taking nearly 70% of the snap share at running back and functioning as the clearest heartbeat of the unit.
His numbers haven’t been flashy every week, including a quiet outing against the Vikings, but he still has 180 rushing yards, one touchdown and a 3.8 yards-per-carry average. He’s also been involved in the passing game, with 13 catches on 15 targets for 61 yards.
If Irving had been forced out, the Buccaneers would have felt it immediately. Instead, he’ll be counted on again as Tampa Bay tries to pick up its first win in 2026 against the Green Bay Packers, with undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels set to handle quarterback duties.
In Other News...
Vikings Win May Have Changed The Buccaneers Season Fast
Baker Mayfields thumb injury has put the Buccaneers in an early-season spot they hoped to avoid after a Week 3 matchup with the Vikings that now carries more weight than the final score. Mayfield suffered a dislocated thumb and is expected to miss at least three weeks, leaving Tampa Bay to move ahead without its starting quarterback while the offense adjusts on the fly.
Rookie backup Jalon Daniels finished the game after Mayfield went down and now steps into the spotlight as the fill-in. Todd Bowles and Bruce Arians have both weighed in publicly on the injury and on Mayfields playing style, adding another layer to a situation that could quickly shape how the Buccaneers navigate the next stretch of the season. [Read more 🡒]
Buccaneers Offense Just Took Another Hit They Couldnt Afford
The Buccaneers offense has already been stretched thin by Baker Mayfields thumb injury, and now it has taken another hit with wide receiver Jalen McMillan expected to miss 6-8 weeks after an MRI revealed a sprained PCL. Tampa Bay has been trying to keep its attack afloat without its starting quarterback, and losing another key pass catcher only adds to the pressure on a unit that has had to absorb one setback after another.
McMillans injury is a frustrating one for both the team and the player, especially with his early career already marked by missed time. For a Buccaneers offense trying to stay steady while Mayfield is out for at least three weeks, the timing could hardly be worse, and it leaves even more uncertainty around how the group will hold up in the coming stretch. [Read more 🡒]
Bucs Make Necessary Roster Move To Avoid A Safety Depth Squeeze
The Buccaneers made a practical early-season move at safety by signing Ifeatu Melifonwu to a one-year contract after using him on the practice squad and elevating him for the first three games. With the NFL limiting how many times a player can be elevated from the practice squad, Tampa Bay had to get Melifonwu onto the active roster if it wanted to keep him in the mix.
A roster spot cleared up with wide receiver Jalen McMillan likely headed to injured reserve, giving the Bucs the flexibility to make the switch without creating another squeeze elsewhere. For a team trying to manage its depth carefully in the opening stretch, keeping Melifonwu around became the priority, and the timing of McMillans status made the move possible. [Read more 🡒]