Bucky Irving: Is hurt| Injury| Is playing today| Will play week 8

Introduction

Bucky Irving, the young and dynamic running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has become an important part of the team’s offensive plans. Having burst onto the scene with promise, his early-season injury troubles now raise questions: Is he hurt? What is his injury? Is he playing today? Will he play in Week 8? In this article, we’ll explore his injury status, timeline, implications for Tampa Bay, and what to expect going forward.

Who is Bucky Irving?

Before diving into his injury status, it’s helpful to provide context about Irving’s background and role.

• Irving is a second-year NFL player for the Buccaneers.

• He was a standout at college (including time at Oregon Ducks) and drafted in 2024.

• In his rookie season, he displayed big-play ability, both as a runner and receiver, and earned recognition such as the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

• With the Buccaneers, he had ascended to being the team’s lead back heading into 2025.

Given his talent and role, his availability matters a lot both for the team and for fantasy football managers.

What’s the injury status?

Nature of the injury

Irving is currently dealing with two injuries: a foot sprain and a shoulder subluxation.

• The foot sprain occurred during a Week 4 game vs. the Philadelphia Eagles.

• Subsequent to that, it was revealed he has a shoulder subluxation (a partial dislocation) which is considered more serious.

A subluxation in the shoulder typically requires more recovery than a simple sprain. Medical commentary indicates mild shoulder subluxations may need 2-4 weeks, but depending on severity it can extend.

Current status and timeline

• On the Week 6 injury report (pre-game) the Buccaneers ruled Irving out with the foot/shoulder injuries.

• Head coach Todd Bowles said Irving is “not in play” for Week 7 vs. the Detroit Lions.

• Some reports suggest the return timeline could push into Week 10.

• According to FantasyPros, the chances of him playing in that upcoming game were put at 0% for Week 7.

Is he playing today?

As of the latest updates: No — he is not available today for the Buccaneers. He did not practice, was out of the lineup for the past couple weeks, and the team has publicly said he is not in play.

Will he play in Week 8?

This is the big question for the team and for fantasy managers.

Factors working against a Week 8 return

1. Recovery from a shoulder subluxation is not trivial. Although milder cases might recover in 2-4 weeks, if it’s more severe the timeline stretches.

2. The foot sprain itself may be nearing healing, but the combination of multiple injuries likely delays his return.

3. The Buccaneers may choose to be cautious with him, given the importance of the backfield and the risk of re-injury. Reports note he could be held out until Week 10 to ensure full recovery.

4. He has already missed multiple games. Missing Week 5, Week 6, and now Week 7 sets a trend of absence.

Factors working for a possible Week 8 return

1. He has shown he can play through injuries (he finished the Week 4 game despite the foot sprain).

2. His importance to the offense may push for a sooner-than-later return — the team’s backup options may not replicate his dual-threat capability.

3. If the team monitors his practice participation early in the week and he progresses to limited/full practice, there remains hope.

My best forecast

Given current information: It remains unlikely he will be ready for Week 8. The probability seems modest. My estimate: He has perhaps a 20-30% chance of playing Week 8, barring a major positive development in practice. If he doesn’t practice or is limited, it’s more realistic his return would come after the Week 9 bye (which might make Week 10 the earliest realistic target).

Implications for the Buccaneers

Offense without Irving

• Without Irving, Tampa Bay’s offense loses a key element: a back who is effective both in the run game and as a pass-catcher. Reports highlight his dynamic ability.

• The team has had to rely more on backups: Rachaad White and Sean Tucker are filling the void.

• The Buccaneers are also coping with major injuries in the wide-receiver corps (e.g., Chris Godwin and Mike Evans) which further stresses the offense.

Strategic adjustments

• The coaching staff will likely continue to reduce his workload on return (if/when he returns) to ease him back in.

• The offense may lean more on short passes, checkdowns, and linebacker-friendly rushing plays until Irving is fully back.

• Fantasy/real-game performance expectations might be tempered initially even when he returns.

Fantasy Football / Owner Perspective

For fantasy managers:

• Irving was an RB1 candidate, given his role and production before the injury.

• His absence means that Rachaad White becomes your starting back in the interim — and his value goes up.

• If you own Irving: treat him as OUT until further notice. He’s not a starter until he returns to full health and practice.

• If you’re considering trading or drafting: you might discount his value slightly due to the injury risk, but don’t give up on him — his upside remains high once healthy.

• Monitor practice reports: if he appears in limited/full practice in Week 8’s lead-up, his return date could accelerate.

What to watch for in the coming days

• Practice participation: Has he returned to limited snaps? Full participation?

• Official injury report: Does Tampa Bay list him as “questionable”, “doubtful”, or “out” for Week 8?

• Coach comments: If Todd Bowles provides an update indicating “he’s making progress” or “we’re hopeful for next week”, that’s a positive sign.

• Backup performance: If the backups are performing at a high level, the team may decide to hold Irving out a bit longer to avoid aggravating the injury.

• Medical imaging/updates: If reports surface that the shoulder subluxation has healed or is healing well, that improves his chances.

Summary

• Yes — Bucky Irving is hurt. He is out with a foot sprain and a shoulder subluxation.

• No — he is not playing today (he has been ruled out for Week 7).

• For Week 8, his return is not guaranteed. It remains unlikely, though it’s not impossible. The earliest realistic return is likely a bit further down the road unless there is a strong recovery in the next few days.

• His absence affects both Tampa Bay’s offense and fantasy-football value.

• Keep a close eye on practice reports and official updates — they will be key to tracking when he will step back onto the field.