The NFL gives, but it also takes away, and for Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving, it took football away from him for a few months.
Having not seen the field since Week 4, it was the first time Bucky had dealt with injuries like this before, so it was a foreign thing to experience for the running back.
But now that he has gotten through practices and is set to make his return in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals, Irving detailed the mental toll his injuries took on him.
“It's tough,” Irving said. “Your first time being hurt, when I step on that field, I don't take this game for granted. I love what I do every day. I love my teammates, and when I go out there, I play, and I show them that each and every time that I get the ball, I'm trying to make plays for this organization, this team to win football games. Everything was all right because I had the right people around me.”
More: Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield reveals 'double-edged sword' message over Week 13 status
Irving set to make return vs. Cardinals
After a couple of weeks of "will he or won't he," Irving was a full participant at practice on Wednesday, which all but confirms his status for Week 13.
He's finally back.
Now, we aren't sure if he will be on a pitch count, given how much football he has missed, but to me, that feels like the smart move because you don't want him breaking down again.
Plus, having Sean Tucker and Rachaad White as the other backs on the roster, the pair did quite well for themselves in Bucky's absense, so Irving might be in a pitch count Sunday.
It was a long wait for Buccaneers fans, but your top offensive weapon is back, and what that does to the offense will be huge.
But we just aren't sure how much of Bucky we'll see on Sunday, though.
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