When will Bucky Irving Return?
Bucky Irving has been out for about a month. The problem started with an ankle sprain and a tough shoulder injury during Tampa Bay’s Week 4 game. He missed four straight games. The team did not put him on injured reserve, so everyone expected he might come back sooner. But he never returned to practice before the bye week. That made things look more uncertain for fans and for the team’s offense, which has missed his explosiveness and quick moves.
The Buccaneers play the Patriots at home in Week 10. A lot of optimism is building. Some fans caught wind that Irving said "I’m ready" in a direct message online. It's not official. But the team lists him day-to-day. Week 10 looks like the earliest possible return, since he’s still waiting for medical clearance and needs to get through a full practice first.
The biggest question is his health. His ankle got better in two weeks, but the shoulder has been stubborn. Coach Todd Bowles said if Irving’s not totally ready, he won’t play. That means the final decision comes down to this week’s medical update. The team releases its first Week 10 injury report on November 5. If Irving practices, he has a shot to play. If he stays sidelined, expect the backups to keep splitting time in the backfield.
Irving’s numbers before the injury impressed a lot of people. He was averaging almost 60 yards per game rushing and making good gains as a receiver. Rachaad White and Sean Tucker filled in decently, but neither matched Irving’s impact. The team needs Irving to get the run game going again as they push for wins in the second half of the season.
Fans and analysts are watching for updates this week. Right now, nothing’s set in stone, and the team doesn’t want to hurry things. The most likely scenario: everyone finds out if Irving returns once the team releases its injury update and he tries to practice. If he feels right and gets cleared, Week 10 is very possible. If not, the wait goes on one more week.
So that’s where things stand. No one’s making promises, but a Week 10 comeback is the best bet if his shoulder holds up and the team gives a green lightght.
Disclaimer:
Bucky Irving’s return to the field depends on his recovery from an ankle sprain and shoulder injury. The team will release an injury update prior to Week 10, and his availability is contingent on medical clearance and practice participation.
