Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injury Update
On Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took to the field for a walkthrough practice while managing some key injuries. Bucky Irving was seen wearing a walking boot and using crutches on his left foot. According to reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, there seems to be a tension injury in his leg, making his status for the upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks uncertain.
Irving sustained the injury during the first half of last Sunday’s narrow 31-25 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the setback, he managed to finish the game with impressive stats: 63 rushing yards, 102 receiving yards, and a touchdown. However, a fumble in the third quarter hindered the Buccaneers’ comeback efforts as they strive to reclaim their Super Bowl champion stature.
The Buccaneers have already faced significant challenges with injuries this season. Irving is just the latest casualty, joining veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, who is out with a hamstring issue. Just a week prior, defensive tackle Kariya Kansy was lost for the season due to a torn pectoral muscle. Although the team welcomed back Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs last Sunday, Irving’s potential absence complicates things for the currently 3-1 squad.
Irving ranks among the top 10 fantasy running backs across all scoring formats, so his absence could be detrimental for fantasy managers who rely on him. He was a highly sought-after player in drafts. Over four games, he has totaled 237 rushing yards and has excelled in the passing game, currently trailing only Christian McCaffrey and Bijan Robinson among elite fantasy backs, with 19 receptions for 193 yards and two touchdowns.
If Irving is unable to play in Seattle, Rashard White is expected to take over as the starting back, a role he held before the Buccaneers drafted Irving. So far, White has totaled 108 rushing yards from 23 attempts and has added 34 receiving yards on eight receptions. His ability as a reliable option in the passing game means he can fit seamlessly into the offensive strategy.
Currently, White is rostered in about 48.4% of fantasy leagues. If you’re looking for a replacement for Irving, it might be a bit of a gamble to find him available on waiver wires. Additionally, third-string running back Shawn Tucker could see some action, though his rostered percentage is quite low at just 2.7%. Fantasy managers searching for alternatives might also want to check out backs like Woody Marks of the Texans or Kendre Miller of the Saints.
