SerpApi.Org
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving endured a sophomore slump last season.
After bursting onto the scene in his 2024 rookie year with 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, injuries derailed Irving’s second season.
His yards per carry dropped from 5.4 to 3.4, a stark decline in his efficiency.
He missed seven games with a shoulder injury, and had the shoulder surgically repaired after the season.
Earlier this offseason, head coach Todd Bowles vaguely shared that he expected Irving to return sometime this summer or fall, but that only left his timetable shrouded in mystery.
Irving did participate in the team's final day of OTAs back in June, but that was a padless practice with no contact or hitting allowed. His availability for training camp is a much better indicator of his progress in returning from injury.
The best-case scenario has seemingly come to fruition, as Irving is expected to be cleared for training camp next week.
Bucky Irving expects to be ready for Buccaneers training camp
Mark Skol of Fox 13 Tampa Bay attended Irving’s youth camp at Blake High School, and reported that Bucky told him off-camera that he believes he’ll be ready for training camp.
A fully-healthy Irving entering the season is a huge boost for the Buccaneers. A strong running game takes pressure off of Baker Mayfield, and allows for a balanced offensive attack that will keep opposing defenses on their toes.
At his best, he’s one of the NFL’s most dynamic running backs, and a bounce-back season from him could elevate Tampa Bay into one of the league’s most dangerous offenses.
Today's best reads
- Ian Rapoport’s latest Baker Mayfield contract update is bad news for Buccaneers fans
- Sean Tucker said what every Buccaneers fan knows about the offensive line
- NFL insider delivers Baker Mayfield contract update Buccaneers fans were waiting for
- Zac Robinson's biggest key to unleashing Baker Mayfield is staring him in the face
- Buccaneers draft bust is running out of chances to save his career
This article was originally published on thepewterplank.com as Latest Bucky Irving injury update is exactly what Buccaneers fans wanted to hear.
