Bucky

Irving

The Buccaneers ran only 52 offensive plays to the 83 of the Chiefs, limiting the backfield trio to just 13 combined carries in the process. Irving, Rachaad White, and Sean Tucker remained vital pieces through the air as they combined for seven targets, but the decreased play volume once again hindered their chances at fantasy utility. Irving’s next chance to return fantasy viability comes in Week 10 when the Buccaneers play host to the 4-4 49ers.

Irving has been managing a toe injury for the previous few weeks, ultimately playing in Week 8 after being listed as questionable for that contest as well. Head coach Todd Bowles recently stated that the toe injury is likely something Irving will be forced to deal with the remainder of the season, which is likely to lead to numerous questionable tags the rest of the way. Also listed as questionable are safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and wide receivers Jalen McMillan and Sterling Shepard.

As a result of this lingering issue, Bowles said the team will “limit him during the weeks so that he can play in the games.” In other words, don’t expect to see many reports of Irving being a full participant in many practices going forward. We’ve seen toe/foot injuries that start as minor worsen when players attempt to play through them. Irving is clearly going to attempt to play through whatever ailment he is dealing with, but considering this recent piece of news, fantasy managers rostering Sean Tucker should continue to hold him despite his light workload over the last two weeks.

With the Bucs not playing until Monday night, Thursday’s practice marks the team’s first practice of the week. We’ll see what the team’s official injury report shows, but it’s worth noting that Irving did miss practice time last week with a toe injury that he wound up playing through in Week 8. His absence would lead to bigger workloads for Rachaad White and Sean Tucker, but it’s too early to say whether or not Irving is a legitimate risk to miss Week 9’s contest against the Chiefs.

Irving was again the more efficient, explosive backfield option for the Bucs even though Rachaad White started the game and functioned as the lead back for much of the first half. Irving led White in carries and receptions, though White scored a touchdown through the air in the first half. Chris Godwin and Mike Evans being sideline probably means a hefty load of check downs for Tampa running backs for the remainder of the regular season. That should offer weekly upside for Irving in a split backfield. Irving will be a top-24 option in Week 9 against the Chiefs.

White started the game and was the team’s lead rusher until the Falcons took a big lead and forced the Bucs to the air. Tampa’s offense was centered on check down passes from Baker Mayfield, who targeted his running backs 14 times on the day. White sauntered into the end zone for a short touchdown reception in the first quarter, his third of the past two games. Bucky Irving outproduced White through the air, with seven grabs for 40 scoreless yards. The loss of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin should portend plenty of targets for White going forward. He’ll be a solid PPR option in Week 9 against the Chiefs.

Irving missed the Buccaneers’ previous two practices but got on the field Friday, giving himself a chance at playing in Week 8. Fantasy managers hoping to avoid Tampa’s newly found “three-headed monster” will need to decide whether or not Irving or Sean Tucker is worth throwing into their lineups after both played behind Rachaad White in Week 7’s loss to the Ravens. Irving was bailed out of a pedestrian fantasy day thanks in part to a one-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, but Tucker’s 4.8 PPR points left much to be desired. Irving was officially listed as questionable on the Bucs’ finally injury report. Taking Bowles at his word, Irving should be good to go by Sunday.

It’s Irving’s first practice of the week, but his return is an encouraging sign and comes less than 24 hours after beat writer Rick Stroud reported Irving is “trending well” for Week 8. We’ll have a clearer sense of his Week 8 availability when the Buccaneers release their final injury report later in the day.

Reports on Irving have been all over the map, but Stroud is probably the longest-tenured Bucs beat still covering the team on a daily basis. He should have reasonably good sources, but Irving missing back-to-back practices remains the most compelling data point. Also compelling is the Bucs’ loss of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, which will likely tip them toward being more aggressive with their No. 2 back’s health. They are going to need to run early and often against the Falcons. Even if Irving does suit up as part of Tampa’s three-back rotation, he will be difficult to trust as a FLEX behind Rachaad White and beside Sean Tucker.

This was during the portion of practice open to the media, but we typically know what this means. Irving opening the week with two straight DNPs wouldn’t be great for his Week 8 outlook against the Falcons. If he’s unable to go, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker will step into larger roles, with White expected to operate as the RB1 after leading the team with 16 opportunities last week