The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might need to give a little more clarity on star running back Bucky Irving’s surgically-repaired shoulder — because it doesn’t seem like anyone has the full story quite yet.
“A few Bucs players still being held out of OTAs as they get healthy: rookies Keionte Scott and DaMonte Capehart, safeties Miles Killebrew and J.J. Roberts,” Fox Sports NFL reporter Greg Auman wrote on his official X account on Tuesday. “Bucky Irving also not here as he gets back from his surgery … (Irving) did make an appearance and worked a bit on the side with RBs coach Skip Peete.”
Irving had surgery in February to repair his shoulder, which was 1 of the reasons he missed 7 regular-season games in 2025.
Bucky Irving’s Injury Could Wipe Out Offseason
A bigger problem for the Buccaners might be that Irving won’t have an offseason.
“Bucs RB Bucky Irving apparently has not been cleared to participate just yet coming off shoulder surgery,” Pewter Report wrote on its official X account on May 12. “Time will tell if he is able to get cleared to see the field during OTAs or if the team will hold off until training camp.”
All signs point to Irving not returning until the latter.
“My understanding is Irving will be limited in OTAs and full go when training camp begins,” Auman wrote. “Same timetable expected when he had surgery. Just being smart getting him back healthy.”
If you’re asking yourself, “Wait, when did Bucky Irving have shoulder surgery?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Irving’s surgery in February went largely under the radar.
“Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving dealt with a lot last year,” Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds wrote on February 16. “First there was foot and shoulder injuries that occurred in a Week 4 loss to the Eagles. Then came a mentally rough patch while he was recovering from those injuries when Irving was isolated from the team as he was rehabbing. Irving’s foot fully healed during the season, but his shoulder did not and required offseason surgery to fully fix. Joe Bucs Fan first reported the news on Monday evening and Pewter Report has confirmed the fact that Irving did have offseason shoulder surgery.”
Irving was a sensation as a rookie with 1,514 yards of total offense and 8 touchdowns, including 1,122 rushing yards while serving mostly in a backup role to Rachaad White.
In 2025, Irving had 865 yards of total offense and 4 touchdowns.
Free Agent Kenneth Gainwell Could Take Carries
Irving’s return won’t be rushed by the Buccaneers — especially after they made a splash in free agency by signing running back Kenneth Gainwell away from the Pittsburgh Steelers on a 2-year, $14 million contract.
That’s a fortune compared to what they’re spending on Irving right now, who is entering the 3rd year of a 4-year, $4.751 million rookie contract.
“With Bucky Irving coming off foot and shoulder injuries, the Bucs needed not only a change-of-pace, third-down back, but someone who could do a little more, if needed,” ESPN’s Jenna Laine wrote. “His 1,023 yards from scrimmage last season were second most of any position on the Steelers behind starter Jaylen Warren, and he tied with Warren for a team-leading eight touchdowns. He gave up one sack this past season on 41 pass blocking reps.”
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