The Tampa Bay Buccaneers backfield has been a mess of a committee for much of the season. But just when it seemed Bucky Irving had seized control of the clear RB1 role, the rookie left after just four rush attempts in Week 14.
Was Irving’s injury a one-week blip, or will he need to miss further time?
What Is Bucky Irving’s Injury?
Irving played just 10 snaps against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 14 before leaving with a back injury.
On Monday after Week 14’s game, head coach Todd Bowles said Irving’s back had tightened up. The rookie entered Week 14 with back and hip injuries and was considered questionable after missing Wednesday and Thursday’s practices heading into the game. This was coming after a Week 13 outing where he finished with a career-high 25 carries for 152 yards and a touchdown.
After Irving departed, Rachaad White out-snapped fellow Bucs RB Sean Tucker 47 to 11.
Will Irving Play in Week 15?
The talented rookie running back has endured his fair share of injuries this season. Irving has appeared on the practice report with toe, knee, back, and hip issues at various points.
Irving reportedly has no structural damage in his back, so it will depend on how he feels near game time. Head coach Todd Bowles said whether or not Irving plays will depend on if the back can loosen up.
SEE MORE: NFL Injury Report
The added concern is that even if Irving’s back feels good enough for him to go there’s no way to guarantee it won’t tighten up on him again during the game.
Irving did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to hip and back injuries. Even so, the Bucs listed him as questionable on the final injury report after returning as a limited participant on Friday. It’s possible Irving will experience some improvement over the weekend and be able to go. However, given the fact that didn’t practice until late, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Irving can’t suit up on Sunday.
Fantasy Impact of Irving’s Week 15 Status
Analysis courtesy PFN’s Kyle Soppe
Irving has been ultra-impressive this season, but with plenty of depth behind him, Tampa Bay has the luxury of taking the cautious approach. He’s only going to be available if “they can get the back to loosen up,” according to Todd Bowles.
I’m tentatively not counting on Irving at the moment. If that changes, we adjust and play him. The Bucs’ goal could be to have their explosive rookie ready for matchups with the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers in Weeks 16-17.
Fantasy football managers should be favoring that line of thought — Irving could be a league winner if at full strength for that favorable stretch.
Based on early reporting out of Tampa, I’m comfortable in projecting White to lead this backfield in carries, regardless of whether Irving plays or not. It’s not an ideal matchup, but if we are talking 15+ carries alongside his consistent efficiency in the passing game (89.1% catch rate this season), it’ll be close to impossible to justify benching White this week with your season on the line.
