General manager Jason Licht suggests the explosive running back could return weeks ahead of schedule, potentially solidifying Tampa Bay’s backfield dynamic just in time for training camp.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' star running back should be ready to play very soon.
Bucs' general manager Jason Licht, while speaking to Sports Day Tampa Bay, gave a promising update on when Bucky Irving will be fully ready to play. Licht's expectations are far more optimistic than any of the other timelines given on Irving all offseason.
“[Bucky Irving is] fine,” Licht said. “In fact, I think if we were playing here in a couple of weeks, he’d be ready to go.”
Although Irving made a surprise return to practice last week, there is a difference between being able to practice and being able to suit up for a game. Licht's comments suggest that Irving would be able to play in a game in just a couple of weeks.
That is fantastic news, and it is a big change from what head coach Todd Bowles said only three weeks ago. Bowles said that Irving wouldn't be fully recovered from his shoulder surgery until sometime later “in the summer or the fall.”
Having Irving at full strength in time for training camp is a terrific development for Tampa's offense. Irving and his new backfield mate, Kenneth Gainwell, can start to show how explosive the Bucs' new running back duo can be.
Gainwell has already expressed his excitement for Irving's return to practice and hopes that both backs can be on the field together this season.
Looking To Regain 2024 Form
Injuries hampered Irving throughout the 2025 season. He was forced to miss a total of seven games and was not at his best when he was on the field. Irving was limited to only 588 rushing yards and a single touchdown on the ground. His 3.4 yards-per-carry average was a full two yards lower than his rookie season in 2024.
Now that he is almost fully healthy again, Irving will be looking to regain his 2024 form, when he exploded onto the scene as a rookie with 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
A backfield of Irving and Gainwell gives the Bucs two backs who are both dynamic runners and dangerous weapons as receivers. For an offense looking to move forward without Mike Evans, a healthy Irving can solve a lot of the issues that plagued the offense in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Hearing Licht give such a positive statement on Irving's return is great news for a team that sorely needs some.
Much of the talk surrounding the Bucs lately has been centered on the contract standoffs with quarterback Baker Mayfield and defensive tackle Vita Vea.
With Irving back on the field for training camp, the Bucs' offense will be the healthiest it has been all offseason, and we can finally get a true look at the potential it has for the upcoming season.
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