Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans are holding their breath after a Bucky Irving injury update cast doubt on the running back's availability for Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Todd Bowles revealed on Monday that Irving is among a group of players scheduled to undergo MRIs to assess their conditions.
When questioned about his level of concern regarding Irving, Bowles confirmed, "Yeah, he's one of them," according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. The specific nature of Irving's injury remains unclear at this time.
Notably, Irving has not previously appeared on the Buccaneers' injury report this season, making this a potentially significant development. Irving has started the season strong, but his Week 4 performance was a standout, racking up 165 scrimmage yards, including a 72-yard touchdown reception. He finished the game with 102 receiving yards and 63 rushing yards.
This injury adds to the Buccaneers' offensive woes, as they are already dealing with injuries to wide receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan. Chris Godwin's return in Week 4 and the emergence of rookie Emeka Egbuka offer some solace, but Irving's potential absence would be a blow.
If Irving is unable to play, Rachaad White is expected to step up as the primary running back for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers will be closely monitoring Irving's progress throughout the week as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Seahawks.
Controversial Call Mars Irving's Breakout Game
Adding insult to injury, Irving's stellar Week 4 performance was overshadowed by a controversial fumble call during the Buccaneers' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Replay angles suggested that Irving's shin was down before the ball came loose, a call that significantly impacted the game's momentum. The Eagles capitalized on the favorable field position, extending their lead and ultimately securing the victory. Many fans and analysts believe the missed call tainted what would have been a historic performance for Irving, who became the first Buccaneers player to record over 50 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards in a single game.