Ahead of schedule following shoulder surgery, Bucky Irving’s surprise return to OTAs sets the stage for a revamped backfield alongside Kenneth Gainwell to ignite Tampa Bay’s offense.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got some unexpected good news on Thursday.
Running back Bucky Irving made a surprise return to the field after missing the first wave of offseason practices while recovering from shoulder surgery. Irving was not expected to be able to practice until later this summer. He was hoping to be ready in time for training camp next month.
Irving's return shows he is ahead of schedule in his recovery. While OTA practices do not feature contact, as the Bucs were recently reminded, having Irving take the field with his teammates is a very positive development.
Irving's new backfield mate, RB Kenneth Gainwell, couldn't hide his excitement after seeing his new teammate take the field for the first time.
"I am just happy to see him back on the field," Gainwell told reporters on Thursday.
Dynamic Duo
The Bucs are counting on Irving and Gainwell to form a dynamic duo in the backfield. Gainwell, who signed with Tampa in free agency, is coming off a terrific season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his lone year in Pittsburgh, Gainwell set career highs with 537 rushing yards, 73 receptions, 486 receiving yards, and eight total touchdowns.
Irving was outstanding as a rookie in 2024, rushing for 1,122 yards and eight TDs, while also racking up 47 catches for an additional 392 yards. Injuries robbed Irving of much of his sophomore year, and his absence was a big factor in Tampa's offense becoming stale and ineffective.
The combination of a healthy Irving and Gainwell should do wonders for the Bucs' offense in 2026. Both backs are lethal weapons both as runners and pass catchers. Having both at his disposal should make quarterback Baker Mayfield's job much easier than it was last year, when the QB had to overcome injuries to Irving, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin.
Gainwell is excited to see what the two can do together, and hopes they will be able to see the field at the same time.
"I'm excited to see him back out there on the field...chemistry is what we trying to build together. Us two being on the field at the same time is something that, you know, I'm wishing that can happen. I am just happy to see him back on the field. He looking good," Gainwell explained.
Final Thoughts
Irving returning to practice a month ahead of schedule is fantastic news for the Bucs. The possibilities of what Tampa's backfield can achieve with both Irving and Gainwell are very exciting. Both backs can carry the offense and lead the backfield, if necessary.
Irving's explosiveness returning and Gainwell's prowess as a receiving option will be welcome additions to the Bucs' offense. Even without Mike Evans, Tampa still has an enticing group of weapons, both in the run and pass game. The backfield duo should bring balance to the offense, as Tampa looks to reclaim its throne as the king of the NFC South.
It's clear that Gainwell is already envisioning what he and Irving can accomplish together.
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