Bucky Irving has not been cleared to fully participate in the Bucs’ offseason workout program following shoulder surgery but should be ready for training camp, GM Jason Licht said.
Bucky Irving has not yet been cleared to fully participate in the Bucs’ offseason workout program, but when he returns, how much of the rushing load should be carried on his surgically repaired shoulder?
Irving missed seven games with foot and shoulder injuries last season and was open about his emotional recovery from that setback.
New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is anxious to work with Irving, who rushed for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie but struggled to produce 588 rushing yards last season. His rushing average went from 5.4 yards per carry in 2024 to 3.4 in 2025.
The former Oregon star is likely to enter training camp as RB1. But the Bucs signed free agent Kenneth Gainwell, who was the Steelers’ Most Valuable Player last season. They also inked Sean Tucker to a one-year, $3.52 million tender as a restricted free agent.
All are similar backs that range between 5-foot-9 and 5-10, and weigh between 195 and 210 pounds.
“I think there’s always a sweet spot with the number of carries throughout the course of the season that you’re trying to hit with those guys,” Robinson said. “And then sometimes, sure, he’s running the rock great and he ends up with 25 carries, but he’s got 140 yards and you’re like, ‘Man, we needed every single one.’
“So there is a fine balance with it. But in terms of run concepts, I think Bucky can run everything. You know, he’s got some toughness, so you have to kind of save him from himself sometimes just because he is such a mentally tough, physically tough player. But yeah, I’m excited to see just what Bucky can (do).”
Better yet would be seeing Irving and Gainwell both on the field.
“Obviously, we’re missing (Irving) right now, but once he gets out there, I think it’s going to be great to see him and Kenny go hand in hand,” Robinson said. “Shoot, one guy might get this amount the next week. They might end up balanced, feeling the hot hand, and we’ll see where it goes.”
Kenneth Gainwell, who signed a two-year, $14 million deal with the Bucs, produced 1,023 yards from scrimmage and averaged 4.7 yards per rushing attempt last season with the Steelers.
The Bucs lost Rachaad White to the Commanders in free agency, but Gainwell represents a huge upgrade. White was an exceptional receiver and stout in pass protection, but his career rushing average is 3.9 yards per carry.
Gainwell was a backup running back for four seasons with the Eagles, his last two behind Saquon Barkley. Last season with the Steelers, he was a running mate to Jaylen Warren but still managed to produce 1,023 yards from scrimmage and average 4.7 yards per rushing attempt.
Who’s better? Consider that White signed a one-year, $2 million contract with Washington to be reunited with former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels, while Gainwell signed a two-year, $14 million deal with the Bucs.
“The first thing that sticks out with Kenny is just that he’s a true pro. You can tell how intentional he is when he works,” Robinson said. “The tape was outstanding when you watched him in Philly with limited opportunities, and you saw last year what he can do in an extended role.
“You were super excited that that (contract) was able to get done and he was able to be here. But just being around him, he’s a stud guy. A guy you just want to be around, a guy who can ignite his teammates just by his style of play, the way he plays. And then the skill set is pretty cool.”
Gainwell and Irving complement each other well, Robinson said.
“Obviously, you’ve got Bucky, who’s got a unique skills set. Kenny and him kind of can match each other in certain ways with what both of them can do in the pass game,” Robinson said. “It’s been awesome getting to know Kenny and the rest of the guys, but the biggest thing that sticks out is how intentional he is and how great a worker he is and just leads by example, and he’s been awesome so far.”
Tucker morphed into the Bucs’ short-yardage and goal-line specialist a year ago and led the club with seven rushing touchdowns.
Sean Tucker, shown in October in New Orleans, morphed into the Bucs’ short-yardage and goal-line specialist a year ago and led the club with seven rushing touchdowns. [ ELLA HALL | AP, 2025 ]
Running backs coach Skip Peete has always done a good job of balancing the workload between his backs, and 2026 should be no different under Robinson.
“Kenny brings a lot of versatility to be very competitive in the run game and the pass game,” Peete said. “I think he showcased that those years in Philly as well as in Pittsburgh.
“Right now, Bucky is on track to be ready to go. I think the combination of Kenny and Bucky are very similar as far as the skill set. Weight, size, all that. They’re both capable of running the ball and running routes, catching and all that. They’re not very large people, but they’re willing pass protectors.
“Sean has continued to improve,” Peete continued. “He flashes sometimes, and he does a good job, and I think he will continue to get better.”
A healthy offensive line will help, with the return of guards Cody Mauch and Ben Bredeson. Tackles Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke also missed significant time last season due to injuries.
General manager Jason Licht said Irving will be limited during organized team activities but but should be ready for training camp.
Peete said the emotional struggles also are behind Irving.
“Sometimes, guys have never been in those kinds of situations,” he said. “I think every person kind of handles those things a little bit differently. But what I see in him right now is a guy that I’ve always known.
“He’s back to being the guy working out every single day. He’s doing everything that’s expected of him as far as the training room and (everything) the strength staff has him doing. I think he’s dialed in in the meetings and things like that. So he’s studying just like he always has.
“I think he’s in a good place right now. I think he’s going to be very excited to get an opportunity.”
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