By james art Despite initial concerns, Bucky Irving’s Week 8 game status is promising. On Friday, head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that they expect the rookie to be active on Sunday.
“Yeah, he is. Unless something happens, he should be fine,” Bowles said. “It’s a toe injury. This worries him. He had it in college, it’s something he’s had to deal with his whole life.
The Buccaneers struck gold in the fourth round of the 2024 draft with the former University of Oregon running back. Months into his rookie campaign, Irving has become a key component of Tampa Bay’s offense, leading the team with 351 yards and three touchdowns.
Irving’s importance increased after the Bucks’ Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, when Chris Godwin and Mike Evans went down with serious injuries. Godwin’s sprained ankle required surgery and ended his season. Evans re-injured his hamstring and is expected to return after the Week 11 bye. The two veteran playmakers leave behind a young striker.
Trey Palmer, Jaylen McMillan, Cameron Johnson, Ryan Miller, Cade Otten, Rachad White, Sean Tucker and Irving are all on rookie contracts. The lone exception is nine-year veteran receiver Sterling Shepard, recently elevated to the 53-man roster after a breakout performance against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Irving was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report along with Payne Durham and Rakeem Jarrett. Evans, Greg Gaines and Tykee Smith have been officially ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.