Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving Misses OTAs, Shoulder Surgery

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is not participating in the team’s organized team activities this spring as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. Head coach Todd Bowles has indicated Irving is expected to return sometime during the summer or fall, but has not provided a specific timeline.

The 23-year-old Irving, a 2024 fourth-round draft pick, is entering his third NFL season. His availability has become a question after injuries limited him to just 10 games in 2025. He missed seven contests last season due to shoulder and knee issues, finishing with 588 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, 30 receptions, and 277 receiving yards. This marked a significant drop from a standout rookie campaign in which he accumulated 1,514 yards from scrimmage, including 1,122 rushing yards, and scored eight total touchdowns.

Irving worked on the side with a coach during a recent OTA session before heading indoors with a team medical official, a clear sign he remains in a rehabilitation phase. He is not expected to be ready for the team’s mandatory minicamp in June, with a return during training camp considered more likely.

In his absence, other running backs are taking...