Bucs GM Jason Licht.
Imagine what was going through Bucs running back Kenny Gainwell’s mind when, three games ago, he got only two carries against his 2025 Steelers team in an overtime loss — a game in which Bucky Irving struggled to 2.4 yards per carry.
Joe thinks a few “WTFs” were in Gainwell’s head. The Bucs’ $7 million-per-year free agent signing already had [moaned publicly about his usage](https://www.joebucsfan.com/2026/10/kenneth-gainwell-wants-someone-that-truly-understands-my-skill-set/).
Well, that usage changed significantly over the past two games when the Bucs ran, ran, ran their way to victories at Carolina and at home against Atlanta in a driving rainstorm.
Irving still was the bellcow, and he’s on pace for 312 carries 1,547 yards.
Before kickoff against Atlanta, Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht was asked about spelling Irving more often.
> “Well, that was the vision going into this year,” Licht said on 98 Rock radio. “We do realize, you know, the talent that Bucky has, obviously. But there’s got to be a little bit of a load managment element to this.”
Licht added that Gainwell and Sean Tucker are proven runners. “And when you can rotate these guys, keep everybody fresh and not lose production, that makes us a much more dangerous offense,” he said.
Joe sees no reason to limit Irving or any other productive player this week — at Chicago on Sunday night. It’s all-in to remove the stain of the 0-4 start — and falling to 3-6 won’t do much to impress most Bucs fans.
Plus, the Bucs have a bye next week before playing at Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 22.