Buccaneers’ Bucky Irving dealt concerning injury update before OTAs

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers try to get back into the playoffs in 2026, they’ll be relying on Bucky Irving to spearhead their running game. However, he’ll need to first get back on the gridiron.

Irving is still working his way back from offseason shoulder surgery. He still hasn’t been fully cleared to participate in football activities, via PewterReport.

“Bucs RB Bucky Irving apparently has not been cleared to participate just yet coming off shoulder surgery,” Pewter Report wrote. “Time will tell if he is able to get cleared to see the field during OTAs or if the team will hold off until training camp.”

Ultimately, the Buccaneers want Irving ready for Week 1, and there is still plenty of time before that. They will want to see him take part in some form of their offseason program. But they will take things cautious to start. Especially with the running back not officially cleared yet.

Assuming Irving’s shoulder injury doesn’t linger into the 2026 season, he should again be a focal point of Tampa Bay’s offense. Injuries limited him to just 10 games in 2025 and took a major bite out of his game. But in 2024, Irving ran for 1,112 yards and eight touchdowns. If the Buccaneers can get that kind of production out of their running back again, they will have a much more fearsome offense.

Tampa Bay will be paying close attention to Irving and his shoulder injury throughout the offseason. Once he is fully cleared to return, then the Buccaneers can figure out their next course of action.

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