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Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving has a wave of hype that's slowly building after he showed excellent elusiveness and quickness in the first three games of his inaugural season in the NFL. Irving has clearly outperformed lead back Rachaad White efficiency-wise and has already created multiple highlight-reel-worthy plays.
With White being one of the most inefficient running backs in the entire league, averaging a dismal 2.1 yards per carry, many believe Irving could gun for the starting job. Irving has certainly earned an expanded role, and the Bucs would be right to give him more touches going forward.
Irving has appeared on the Bucs injury report, however. Will Irving play this week?
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Is Bucky Irving Playing in Week 4?
Irving was kept out of practice in Week 4 with a hamstring injury. This is a concerning development considering Irving was limited at practice on Wednesday.
Fantasy community finally starts buying into Bucky Irving.
Week 4’s injury report:😐 pic.twitter.com/zZtmb4iL61
— PeteNova (@SuperrNova38) September 26, 2024
It's unknown how severe his injury is, but typically teams load-manage veterans throughout the week. Irving isn't a veteran. Irving himself has said he's ready to play on Sunday, but then again 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey said he'd play in Week 1 of this season, so fantasy managers should take this with a grain of salt.
Bucky Irving declines to say how or when he hurt his hamstring but reiterates: I’ll be ready for the game on Sunday.”
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 26, 2024
Irving managers should stay diligent about checking for updates on his injury situation.
Bucky Irving Week 4 Fantasy Football Outlook
Despite whispers that Irving could take over the starting role, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles, who's known for his openness on the depth chart and usage-related topics, reiterated that both White and Irving will have big roles in this offense. Irving could become the primary rusher if White's inefficiency continues, though.
#Bucs HC Todd Bowles on whether Bucky Irving has earned the right to be the starting running back:
“No… We’re gonna need Bucky and Rachaad [White] all year. Bucky had some schemed runs that worked and Rachaad had some that didn’t. That doesn’t mean he’s playing better, that… pic.twitter.com/d7WzRZ3bCb
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) September 25, 2024
Irving and the Buccaneers face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4, who have allowed the 3rd most PPR fantasy points to running backs this season. It may be tough for the Eagles to stop Irving, and if he gets an expanded role, he could have a nice game. That said, managers are better off waiting for such a role to materialize.
Irving is a good start for teams with many injured starters or in very deep leagues.
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