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Bucs RB Kenneth Gainwell.
So yesterday, Bucs running back Bucky Irving made his first appearance on a Bucs practice field since he had shoulder surgery.
Joe didn’t actually see Bucky involved in seven-on-seven or 11-on-11 practice (doesn’t mean Bucky didn’t participate, Joe just didn’t see him) but Joe did see Bucky going through individual position workouts.
You know, baby steps.
So for the first time since signing with the Bucs, new Bucs running back Kenneth Gainwell actually saw Bucky on a Bucs practice field. What was Gainwell’s reaction? He spoke about Bucky yesterday to the local pen and mic club.
“Actually, I’m excited to see him back out there on the field, running around, doing what he does,” Gainwell said. “I mean, chemistry is what we’re trying to build together, and you know, us two being on the field at the same time is something that I’m wishing that can happen.
“I’m just happy to see him back on the field. You know, he’s looking good. So I’m just excited about that.”
As Joe has typed several times, the Bucs aren’t paying Gainwell $7 million a year just for s(p)its and giggles. He’s currently the 21st-highest paid running back in the league for 2026. You don’t pay a man that kind of Team Glazer loot to suck water on the sidelines and just play special teams.
If Bucky had can get healthy and return to his rookie form, Joe thinks the Bucs run game could be special now having an offensive coordinator who knows how to develop a run game and having a healthy offensive line.