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Bucky Irving's Return Delayed: Summer or Fall Timeline?
27 May
Summary
- Star RB Bucky Irving is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
- Irving is expected back sometime in the summer or fall of 2026.
- An NFL insider offers a more optimistic timeline for Irving's return.
As voluntary offseason workouts commence for the Buccaneers, key players like Cody Mauch, Jalen McMillan, and Calijah Kancey are back on the field. However, star running back Bucky Irving, who missed significant time in 2025 due to ankle and shoulder injuries, is not yet cleared to practice following offseason shoulder surgery.
Head coach Todd Bowles stated that Irving is recovering well and is anticipated to return sometime in the summer or fall of 2026. Irving's absence was keenly felt during the 2025 season, as his absence impacted the team's offensive performance. His rookie year in 2024 saw him rush for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns, alongside 47 receptions for 392 yards.
While Coach Bowles' comments offered a degree of uncertainty, NFL insider Adam Schefter provided a more precise outlook. Schefter reported that Irving is expected to miss minicamp but should be ready at some point during training camp, preceding the regular season kickoff in early September 2026. This suggests Irving is trending positively towards a full return for the upcoming season.
