Mike Carlson/Getty Images
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving should be a waiver target for fantasy owners this week.
Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said, per Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com, that the rookie has earned more snaps.
Irving was a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and has rushed for 154 yards on 25 carries so far in 2024.
Irving is coming off a 70-yard performance on nine carries in Tampa Bay’s Week 3 loss to the Denver Broncos. He currently leads the team in rushing yards, although he is second in rushing yards behind Rachaad White, and looks set to take over the running back role in Week 4.
Irving showed plenty of promise in college, rushing for 2,238 yards and 16 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Oregon. He was the sixth defenseman taken in the 2024 Draft, and so far the pick looks valuable to Tampa Bay.
The Buccaneers are 2-1 after the loss and hope to reach the postseason for the fifth straight season. Irving could carry the rushing load and contribute, and Bowles seems to trust him to do just that.
Tampa Bay is scheduled to host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4, so Irving has his work cut out for him against a strong defense.