The Buccaneers have been juggling a short but ugly injury list during this stretch. Tampa Bay leaned on Sean Tucker and Rachaad White while the ground game shuffled. Bucky Irving hasn’t played since Week 4, and the club has been cautious getting him back.
“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,” statedAdam Schefter.
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
Bucky Irving Return Timeline Takes Shape for Week 13 vs. Cardinals
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bucky Irving
Sep 28, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Bucky Irving is likely back for the November 30 game in Tampa. The 23-year-old running back missed seven games with shoulder and foot problems and practiced well enough this week that the Bucs felt he could have played in L.A. But the staff opted for one more week of ramp-up.
Sean Tucker carried a heavier load in Week 12 and will keep getting touches while Irving eases back. Rachaad White’s pass-game role should remain steady. Fantasy managers and coaches should expect a phased workload for Irving, some early snaps, a handful of designed touches, then more if he stays clean. Multiple outlets confirmed the timeline after Schefter’s initial post.
Tampa Bay’s medical staff appears to be balancing short-term gain vs. long-term availability. The shoulder and foot both listed in reports aren’t identical injuries; one affects contact, while the other involves burst and cutting. That nuance explains why the team paused in Week 12 despite Irving “looking strong” in practice.
What to watch next: snap counts in Week 13, guaranteed early-game touches, and whether the Bucs use Irving on early downs or sprinkle him in initially. If he hits the ground cleanly, he’ll immediately lift Tampa Bay’s rushing upside and open play-action looks for Baker Mayfield. If the Bucs remain cautious, Tucker retains value, and Irving transitions from boom-or-bust to a managed return.
Bucky Irving is slated to return next Sunday vs. the Cardinals. Expect a phased comeback and monitor Week 13 snap usage for the clearest sign he’s truly back.