The Buccaneers are heading west for a significant early season test that may not include their top rusher.
Bucky Irving is expected to be ruled out for Tampa Bay's Week 5 game at Seattle due to a foot injury, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported.
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If Irving cannot go, Rachaad White will be expected to take on a larger share of the running back duties. Tampa Bay (3-1) may also lean on bruising back Sean Tucker more and could turn to rookie Josh Williams for another option in the backfield.
Irving followed up his excellent rookie campaign with a solid start to the 2025 season, proving himself as a three-down back by tallying nearly as many receiving yards (193) as rushing yards (237) through four games this season. Both of Irving's touchdowns have come as a receiver, and he ranks second behind only rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka in receiving yards for the Buccaneers.
If Irving cannot go, the Bucs will have to rely on White as a pass-catching back and possibly turn to Tucker to spell Irving in rushing situations. Irving's injury is the latest for a team that has suffered plenty so far, including receiver Mike Evans (hamstring). Their resilience will be tested Sunday against a Seahawks team that owns an identical 3-1 record after one month.