Bucky Irving Expected to Return as Buccaneers Seek Rebound in Week 13

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter Week 13 intent on resetting their season after a humbling defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams. The loss dropped Tampa Bay to 6-5, tightening the margins in an NFC playoff picture that remains crowded entering December. As the Buccaneers regroup, the team is poised to regain a key offensive contributor in running back Bucky Irving.

Irving’s absence has been felt during Tampa Bay’s uneven midseason stretch. The second-year back began the year as one of the offense’s central figures before injuries forced him to the sideline. His production and versatility gave the Buccaneers balance early in the season, and his return now comes at a moment when Tampa Bay needs both stability and explosiveness.

The young running back spoke this week about the emotional challenge of experiencing his first significant injury layoff as a professional. His comments reflected both frustration and gratitude, highlighting how much he values the opportunity to contribute on the field. For a team searching for answers after last week’s loss, Irving’s mindset offers a steadying force.

With a matchup against the Arizona Cardinals ahead, Tampa Bay hopes that adding back its lead rusher can help restore rhythm to an offense that has struggled to sustain drives in recent weeks.

1. Irving Reflects on His Time Away

Speaking Wednesday, Irving acknowledged how difficult the past several weeks have been as he worked his way back from injuries to his foot and shoulder. The extended absence represented the first major setback of his NFL career, one he admitted tested both his focus and patience. He emphasized that missing time made him appreciate his role even more, describing how much he values being able to compete alongside his teammates. Irving said that each touch means something to him, and he approaches every play with the intent of creating positive momentum for the offense. The running back also expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout the process. While the injury lingered longer than initially expected, Irving credited his personal faith for helping him maintain perspective and stay committed to his recovery. After participating fully in the week leading up to the Buccaneers’ Week 12 game, the team opted for caution, delaying his return by a week to ensure he was fully ready. That patience now positions him to step back into the lineup at full strength.

2. A Major Part of Tampa Bay’s Offensive Identity

Before his injury, Irving’s role in Tampa Bay’s system had expanded significantly. After a developmental rookie campaign, he entered 2025 as one of the Buccaneers’ primary offensive weapons and quickly solidified that status. Through four games, Irving logged 71 carries and 19 receptions, giving him an average of 22.5 touches per contest. His combined 430 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns during that span underscored his versatility and reliability in both the running and passing games. His quick acceleration, pass-catching ability, and aptitude for creating yards after contact made him a focal point of the team’s early-season game plans. Without him, Tampa Bay experimented with multiple backfield options but was unable to replicate his consistency. As he returns to action, the Buccaneers will look to reintegrate him strategically while ensuring he can handle the workload that made him so effective to begin the season.

3. Impact on Week 13 and the Stretch Ahead

Tampa Bay’s offense has been searching for a spark ever since Irving was sidelined, and his return could provide an immediate boost. The Buccaneers are preparing for a matchup against an Arizona team that has shown improvement but continues to face defensive challenges, particularly against multifaceted rushing attacks. Bringing Irving back into the fold may help relieve pressure on the passing game, which has leaned heavily on short-area throws and struggled to maintain balance. With Irving available, Tampa Bay can revisit the physical identity it displayed early in the season, potentially opening more opportunities downfield. The coaching staff will likely monitor Irving’s workload, but even a partial return to form could change the complexion of the offense. His ability to extend drives and provide a dependable outlet for the quarterback makes him essential to Tampa Bay’s long-term outlook. For a Buccaneers team aiming to strengthen its playoff positioning, the timing of Irving’s return could hardly be better. His presence adds stability to a roster hoping to regain momentum after last week’s loss.