Bucky Irving’s Return to Form for Buccaneers

Bowles’ May Comment Sets Early Expectations

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles hinted back in May that running back Bucky Irving would be “ready to go” sometime in the summer or fall. At the time, the remark raised questions about Irving’s availability for training camp after his shoulder surgery. Since then, the outlook has improved, with Irving already seeing limited action during the offseason program.

Post‑Surgery Progress and Recent Work

Irving underwent shoulder surgery following the 2025 season and has been working his way back to the field. He managed “a little work” before the team’s offseason drills concluded, and that activity has continued as camp approaches. The Buccaneers are set to begin training camp next week, and Irving feels he is on track to join the lineup early.

Irving’s Outlook for the Regular Season

Speaking from his youth football camp, Irving told Fox 13’s Mark Skol he feels healthy and expects to be ready when the team holds its first training‑camp practice. Avoiding the physically unable to perform list is a key goal, keeping him in contention for Week 1 action against the Bengals. A successful return would mark a quick turnaround from the limited role he played last season.

From 10 Games to Full Impact

Irving capped last year with 173 carries for 588 yards and a touchdown after appearing in just 10 games. That output fell well short of his rookie‑year production, leaving a noticeable gap in the Bucs’ ground attack. The Buccaneers need a resurgence from their backfield to improve their playoff chances as they look to climb back into contention. If Irving can recapture the effectiveness of his early season, the offense could gain the consistency required to challenge for a postseason berth.