After a breakout rookie campaign that saw him eclipse 1,100 rushing yards, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is facing an uphill battle to reclaim his form. The 2024 sensation saw his production plummet last season, dropping from 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns to just 588 yards and a single score—a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL.

The culprit? A persistent shoulder issue that sidelined Irving for seven games and ultimately required offseason surgery. Now, as the Buccaneers begin their preparations for the upcoming season, their star back remains on the sidelines.

"Obviously, we're missing him right now," new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson told reporters this week, adding that the team expects to learn more about Irving's status in the coming days. While Irving has been spotted rehabbing at One Buc Place and participating in the team's offseason program, he's still not cleared for practice.

The good news? There's no indication that Irving won't be ready for training camp or Week 1. When healthy, he's undoubtedly Tampa's most dynamic back—a player who can turn a routine handoff into a game-changing run. But the Buccaneers aren't taking any chances.

The signing of Kenneth Gainwell, fresh off being named the Pittsburgh Steelers' team MVP in 2025, adds both insurance and depth. In today's NFL, a running back-by-committee approach isn't just a fallback—it's a winning formula. Just look at the Seattle Seahawks, who rode the duo of Kenneth Walker (1,027 yards, Super Bowl MVP) and Zach Charbonnet (730 yards, 12 touchdowns) to a championship last season. The team they beat in the Super Bowl also found success with a similar two-back system.

For Irving, the path forward is clear: get healthy, reclaim his 1,000-yard form, and prove that his rookie season was no fluke. For the Buccaneers, having multiple quality backs isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity in a league where depth wins championships.