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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing uncertainty in their backfield after Bucky Irving sustained an injury during Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The running back, who has quickly established himself as a crucial part of Tampa Bay’s offense, was shaken up after taking a hard hit in the game.
Although Irving returned to action after missing just a couple of plays, the situation grew more concerning in the aftermath. Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed on Monday that the rookie running back was undergoing an MRI to assess the severity of the injury. Bowles did not disclose further details, leaving both fans and fantasy football managers anxiously awaiting clarity.
MRI sparks concern over severity
The decision to send Bucky Irving for an MRI immediately raised alarms. Teams typically avoid such tests unless there is a legitimate possibility of significant damage or a multi-week absence. While Irving showed no obvious signs of discomfort following the game, the Buccaneers’ move suggests caution and the potential for something more serious than initially believed.
As of now, the team has not provided a timeline, and results from the MRI have not been made public. Until then, fans and fantasy managers will likely have to wait until the Buccaneers release their first official practice report on Wednesday for an update.
Fantasy football implications
Bucky Irving has been a true workhorse this season, handling a 76% opportunity share in Tampa Bay’s offense. While his rushing efficiency has been limited—averaging just 3.3 yards per carry—his volume and involvement in the passing game have made him one of the more reliable fantasy options, producing 18.0 fantasy points per game.
If Irving is sidelined, the Buccaneers will likely turn to Rachaad White to reclaim the lead role in the backfield. White has previously shown he can handle the workload and would instantly become a valuable RB2 option for fantasy lineups.
Meanwhile, Sean Tucker could carve out a more specialized role, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His usage would likely remain matchup-dependent, but he could provide touchdown upside for managers in deeper leagues.
A situation to monitor closely
Until the MRI results are revealed, the situation remains fluid. Fantasy managers will need to stay alert for updates, as Bucky Irving’s availability could directly impact both Tampa Bay’s offensive rhythm and fantasy football backfields. With his workload and consistency this season, any absence would be a significant blow for both the Buccaneers and his fantasy stakeholders.
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