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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to stop the bleeding. They have to prove that they can hold their own against the best teams in the league, and a Sunday Night Football date with the Los Angeles Rams will be the perfect opportunity to do so.
Unfortunately for them, they might not have a prime reinforcement on the field for that matchup. According to a report by ESPN insider Adam Schefter, star running back Bucky Irving is expected to suit up and play next Sunday against the Cardinals:
“Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving, who has not played since Week 4 vs. the Eagles due to shoulder and foot injuries, is expected to make his return next Sunday vs. the Arizona Cardinals, per sources. Irving looked strong at practice this week and might have been able to play vs. the Rams, but the team decided to hold him out, give him one more week and have him return next Sunday,” Schefter posted on X.
Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving, who has not played since Week 4 vs. the Eagles due to shoulder and foot injuries, is expected to make his return next Sunday vs. the Arizona Cardinals, per sources. Irving looked strong at practice this week and might have been able to play vs. the… pic.twitter.com/34XGnt8tKr
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 23, 2025
Irving looked poised for a big season before his injuries. The Bucs have been stung by the injury bug this season, especially on the offensive side of the field.
Notably, Irving won’t be the only reinforcement Baker Mayfield will have at his disposal. Apparently, star wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. is also expected to be back in the fold.
Those returns couldn’t have happened at a better time. The Bucs will face off against one of the best defenses in the game, and Sean McVay’s defense will now have to focus on two major threats. That should make life easier for star rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who has been the focal point of the offense because of all of the absences.
The Bucs got off to an amazing start to the season, with Mayfield leading multiple game-winning drives during the first six weeks. Now, they desperately need to get back on track, especially with the Carolina Panthers also looking to snatch the division this season.
NEXT: Baker Mayfield Has High Praise For Matthew Stafford