Bucky Irving shines in Buccaneers’ backfield against Jets
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving has solidified his role as a crucial asset in the offense, showcasing his versatility as a dual-threat back. Often sharing the backfield duties with Rachaad White, Irving not only handles rushing responsibilities but also contributes as a receiver, providing valuable support to quarterback Baker Mayfield.
In a standout performance during Week 3 against the New York Jets, Irving was given the spotlight, carrying the ball 25 times—marking just the second occasion in his career he has reached that milestone. However, he managed only 66 rushing yards, a stark reminder of the challenges that come with heavy workloads in the NFL.
Concerns about workload sustainability
With such a significant number of carries, questions arise regarding the sustainability of Irving’s workload. Offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard addressed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of adapting to each game’s flow.
“I think each week is determined on how the game’s going,” Grizzard explained. “He knows if we need him and he goes 25 or if it’s 15 or might need to be 30, whatever it takes to get the win that week and then be able to adjust off of that moving forward potentially.” This adaptability could be crucial for Irving as the season progresses, especially if the team finds itself in varied game situations.
Injury updates and team dynamics
As the Buccaneers gear up for their next matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, other key players’ statuses are also in flux. Pro Bowl receiver Chris Godwin had been making strides in practice, raising hopes for his return. However, just a day after participating, Godwin was listed as a DNP on Thursday, adding a layer of uncertainty to the team’s offensive plans.
This cautious approach could reflect a desire to manage Godwin’s workload carefully, especially considering his importance to the Buccaneers’ receiving corps. With the potential for a pitch count in place, the coaching staff seems intent on ensuring that their star receiver is ready for the long haul rather than rushing him back into action.
Ongoing injury concerns
In addition to Godwin’s situation, other injury developments are affecting the Buccaneers as they prepare for their upcoming games. Questions linger about tight end Cade Otton’s involvement in the offense and the potential impact of Mike Evans’ injury on the depth chart at wide receiver.
As the team navigates these challenges, the spotlight remains on Irving, whose performance will be pivotal not only for the immediate future but also as the season unfolds. The balance between utilizing his talents and managing his workload will be a critical aspect of Tampa Bay’s strategy moving forward.
