Those looking for some clarity on the mysterious Bucky Irving situation may have more questions now.
While the Buccaneers ruled out the running back for Week 12 amid ominous reports of a potential off-the-field issue, coach Todd Bowles provided an unusual update.
“Not going through much off the field, he got hurt, he didn’t handle it well because he had been hurt for the first time,” Bowles said Friday before the Buccaneers visit the Rams on “Sunday Night Football.”
“He had a full practice this week, definitely be trending up playing next week. So, we’re just preparing him for the Arizona game, that’s what we were getting him ready for and that’s what we’ll be ready for.”
Bucs coach Todd Bowles said Bucky Irving will not play against the Rams but is “trending up” to play vs Cardinals next week. Says he got hurt and “didn’t handle it well..” but doing fine. pic.twitter.com/oeh8uvYaxV
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) November 21, 2025
While it’s positive news that Bowles said Irving could return next week and potentially end his eight-week and seven-game absence, the coach’s update didn’t address the concerns surrounding Irving.
He’s officially listed as dealing with a shoulder and foot issue on the team’s injury report and had two limited practices Wednesday and Thursday.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, though, said Thursday that Irving won’t be back “anytime soon” and hinted at something serious plaguing the second-year player.
“I’m not so sure Bucky Irving is going to be back this weekend based upon something I heard when we were in Philadelphia,” Florio told Chris Simms, “I’ll tell you off-air what I heard.
“I want to be careful. It just underscores the very real existence of inside information. Because it’s something that probably shouldn’t be out. But I don’t think he’s going to be back anytime soon. It definitely is more information than what’s in the injury report.”
The Tampa Bay Times reported that Irving “struggled emotionally” with being hurt and unable to help his teammates since last playing Sept. 28 against the Eagles.
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The outlet further reported Irving has dealt with losses in his family.
The Buccaneers (6-4) could use Irving back, with the NFC South leaders having lost three of four entering Sunday’s high-profile clash.
Irving had a breakout rookie season in 2024, supplanting starter Rachaad White, and tallied 237 rushing yards and 193 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns through four games.
Sean Tucker has emerged in recent weeks to give the Buccaneers’ backfield a big lift.
