What is Tampa Bay’s Bucky Irving’s “Lifelong Trauma”? – Sports Illustrated

Former Oregon Ducks running back and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer rookie Bucky Irving is dealing with a lingering toe injury.

Irving’s status was up in the air, officially listed as “questionable” before Tampa Bay’s 31-26 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

“Unless something happens, he should be fine,” Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said Friday. “It’s a toe injury that he’s had since college, something he’s had to deal with for the rest of his life.”

Irving was able to play through the toe injury and continued to be a bright spot in the Bucks offense. Irving led Tampa Bay with 44 yards on nine carries, including the magnificent 15-yard run below.

Irving and Tampa Bay are now 4-4, but are still in the mix to win the NFC South division crown this season. Each week, Irving has shown improvement and has become a major cog in the Bucs offense.

Rookie Irving leads Tampa Bay in 2024 with 351 rushing yards on 67 carries and three touchdowns. The versatile Irving also had 13 receptions for 124 yards.

Irving made a quick impact on coach Bowles and offensive coordinator Liam Cohen.

“He’s probably the first player after me. When I go to the training room and practice, I see him there,” Bowles told Tampa Bay’s team website. “To be that young and that early day in and day out and not have any mental mistakes is impressive.”

Cohen got a great look at Irving from Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein when Tampa Bay decided to select Irving in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

“I’m actually pretty close with (offensive coordinator) at Oregon, Will (Stein),” Cohen said. “He told me he (Bucky) is his favorite player he’s ever coached and is a team-first guy and will do anything and everything he asks.”

One of Oregon’s most beloved players, Irving had an incredible career as a Duck. In his two years at Oregon, Irving rushed for 2,238 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 6.6 yards per carry. Irving added another 712 receiving yards, 87 receptions and 5 touchdown receptions through the air.

After moving from Minnesota to Oregon, Irving quickly became a fan favorite among Duck fans. Irving was never the biggest player on the court, but he made up for it with the heart he played with.