There's a reason Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving played slightly fewer snaps in Week 4. Irving is reportedly dealing with a lower-body injury and is "gathering medical opinions" on the ailment, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Irving, 23, apparently sustained the injury during theteam's 31-25 lossto the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4. #BuccaneersRB Bucky Irving is still gathering medical opinions on what's being termed an ankle and/or foot injury, sources tell me and@RapSheet. No one has ruled Irving out vs. the#Seahawksbut he's sore and his status is up in the air as the Bucs return to practice tomorrow.pic.twitter.com/3kTSbcqYfT — Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo)October 1, 2025 While Irving may have injured himself at the end of the first half in Week 4, he returned to action and played during the second half. Irving's injury didn't come to light until Monday, when Bucs head coach Todd Bowles revealed the running back was among the players who was beingsent for an MRI. Bowles did not expand on Irving's injury, but he's reportedly dealing with an ankle or foot issue, per Garafolo. Irving emerged as a future superstar during his rookie season. After splitting time with Rachaad White and Sean Tucker early last season, Irving eventually became the featured runner in Tampa Bay. He was excellent down the stretch, gaining at least 100 all-purpose yards in four of the team's final eight games. Though all three players returned to the team in 2025, Irving retained his leading role to open the season. Through four games, Irving has averaged roughly 70% of the team's offensive snaps, a figure he surpassed just once as a rookie. The Buccaneers haven't offered an update on Irving's situation since Bowles said the running back would undergo an MRI. The team will be forced into action Wednesday, when it releases its first injury report ahead of Week 5. The early indications aren't promising. Irving was spotted using crutches and wearing a walking boot on his left foot as the team did its walkthrough Wednesday. Bucs RB Bucky Irving was wearing a boot on his left foot and was using crutches. OLB Haason Reddick has a stinger Sunday but is at practice. So is DT Greg Gaines, who left with a pectoral injury. Still no Mike Evans, obviously. It's a walk thru so tough to discern who is going.… — Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD)October 1, 2025 Losing Irving would be quite the blow for a Bucs offense already without Mike Evans. The veteran wideout did not play in Week 4 due to a hamstring injury. He was not placed on Injured Reserve, meaning the team believes he might be able to return in just a few weeks. If Irving needs to miss time, he would likely be replaced by a combination of White and Tucker. Both players have experienced strong moments in the NFL, and will need to be on top of their game against a tough Seattle Seahawks defense in Week 5 if called upon.
