Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (toe) has been a solid rookie running back and a surprise to fantasy managers and NFL fans considering where he was drafted. He was not selected until the 125th pick of the NFL Draft in the fourth round, giving him low draft capital.
One of the most predictive indicators of NFL success is the position in which the player was drafted, so it's been interesting to see him play well. He's very shifty and elusive and has averaged 5.2 yards per carry on the season, showcasing his efficiency.
He's currently listed on the injury report, though. Will Irving play today?
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Bucky Irving Fantasy Football Injury Update
Irving is dealing with a toe issue and is listed as "Questionable" heading into his Week 8 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. After initial reports were pessimistic about his chances to take the field Sunday, it's come out that he's trending in a positive direction.
I'm glad Bucky Irving is trending to play on Sunday vs. Atlanta. He is must see TV when he's got the ball in his hands. #Bucsfilm2024wk7 pic.twitter.com/b9WqENYig9
— Steven Cheah (@StevenCheah) October 26, 2024
This is another situation where fantasy managers will need to do what they can to stay updated, though. His status will probably come down to the wire. They'll need to be sure to check just 90 minutes before kickoff, at 1:00 PM ET, when the final list of active and inactive players is released.
UPDATE: Irving is expected to play Sunday, per NFL Insider Ian Rapoport.
#Bucs RB Bucky Irving, part of their three-headed monster, is expected to play despite a toe injury that has him listed as questionable, source said. Todd Bowles had been optimistic this week.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 27, 2024
Bucky Irving Fantasy Football Injury Impact
If he doesn't play, expect third-string back Sean Tucker to take his place, and lead back Rachaad White to get more touches. If he does, it will be interesting to see how things shake out in this offense, especially since lead WR Mike Evans (hamstring) and slot superstar Chris Godwin (ankle) will miss the game.
RB efficiency (per @RyanJ_Heath and @FantasyPtsData)
- Tank Bigsby or Derrick Henry Jr.?
- James Conner has forced 40 missed tackles, nobody else has more than 30
- Can we get Bucky Irving the ball more? pic.twitter.com/g7sbAgFTPH— Jake Tribbey (@JakeTribbey) October 25, 2024
Irving has been excellent with the ball in his hands, and without a hyper-talented WR left on the roster to catch passes, it's reasonable to expect that the backs will get more targets. It's a perfect opportunity for the rookie to step up and contribute in a bigger role.
#Bucs HC Todd Bowles has an 85% reliability rating on injury coachspeak
He mentioned in today’s presser that Bucky Irving has been dealing with this toe injury since college
Wish we had gotten something a little stronger than “should,” but I would think that Irving plays Sunday https://t.co/qQ6mv8cBH9 pic.twitter.com/fWVCqPydV9
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) October 25, 2024
However, as is the case with likely the majority of NFL players, his issue is something that's been bothering him for an extended period. It could lead to a limited workload, but we don't have access to the Bucs' facilities, so it's not possible for us to know with any certainty.
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