Will Bucky Irving Play Against The Cardinals?
November 25th, 2025
Status.
Last week Bucs running back Bucky Irving was practicing. There was hope he could play in Los Angeles.
That didn’t happen. Instead, Bucky’s return was pushed back at least a week.
Yesterday when asked about Bucky playing Sunday against the Cardinals, Bucs coach Todd Bowles said Bucky will practice this week.
“He’s going to practice all this week, and if he’s well by Friday, he’ll play on Sunday,” Bowles said.
So to translate: Who the hell knows?
The Bucs need all hands on deck. Anyone who can play should play. Even if Baker Mayfield can play, we’ve seen how he is a shell of himself when he’s not 100 percent. So Mayfield will need help.
Bucky’s presence could help a great deal.
November 25th, 2025 at 4:33 am
Yes, his 3.3 ypc will surely turn things around. If the D can avoid giving up the booty by halftime again, we may still be able to run the ball in the second half.
I honestly don’t know how the Bucs media can stand to listen to bowles talk. His smarmy, condescending attitude and talking in tongues makes me sick. He speaks like he has contempt for the fans and media alike. It’s like he’s trying to be the temu version of Belichick.
November 25th, 2025 at 4:34 am
Joe … ‘Anyone who can play should play. Even if Baker Mayfield can play, we’ve seen how he is a shell of himself when he’s not 100 percent. So Mayfield will need help.’
Gotta disagree somewhat with your opening gambit Joe. As the season grinds on, I’m sure most players play with various bumps & bruises. But guys playing when they’re operating at 50%, 60%, 70% don’t help the team. They HURT the team.
A Bucky Irving operating at 70% is worse than a Rachaad White or a Sean Tucker operating at 90-100%. Probably far worse in actuality. None of us seem to know what’s REALLY going on with Bucky, and the decision to play him or sit him needs to rest with the coaches.
Baker playing is a whole different matter. He’s the ultimate competitor, and he’ll want to be out there with HIS GUYS. But playing him before that arm/shoulder is ‘fixed’ is taking an unacceptable risk with the rest of this season. Every opponent will ‘smell blood in the water’ and will be hunting him. He becomes the most vulnerable gazelle in the herd, and the lions will take advantage. Play Teddy Bridgewater and RUN-RUN-RUN the friggin ball, with minimal short passes to keep the defense honest. Control the TOP and control the game.
November 25th, 2025 at 4:37 am
Big game for Todd. It’s really a must win. Lose at home to the lowly Cards, Todd should do the right thing, and resign.
November 25th, 2025 at 5:09 am
Have to agree, it really pains me too. I have been upbeat about Bowles, Jason, Grizz, etc. Hoping to see a win this week and hoping to see Bucky. White and Tucker have been doing a great job. Just sprinkle Bucky in if he is ready.
It sounds like Todd is having a lot of practices. That is a good sign. On Sunday, we are home, Simeon will be there for the Ring of Honor, and so many more will be there. That should fire up the players. We must win. And then we must win again, and again. Go Bucs!
November 25th, 2025 at 5:09 am
Hodad, I think the only way Bowles resigns is if the team demands he gives up calling plays, that would do it but knowing the Glazers this will be after the season is over.
November 25th, 2025 at 6:21 am
Does Bucky play Defensive Coordinator? Because, other than talent on defense that’s what we need. It’s never a good thing when you need talent and a coordinator. Also, Bowles already decided to punt from his own 40 this Sunday on any situation where it’s 4th and longer than a 1/4 inch
November 25th, 2025 at 6:39 am
I think the Bucs are gambling with their slightly built running back. We all know that Bucky can’t be a true primary back getting 20 plus carries a game. If he’s back and truly healthy for the last six games, maybe just maybe, the Bucs planned it that way. Navigating all the injuries that this team received this year has been a struggle. Can’t we all agree on that? If they make the playoffs and are healthy in January, I’ll gladly eat crow about the mid-season efforts.
November 25th, 2025 at 6:54 am
Two guys don’t make a team. Sure, we had better success when Bucky was healthy and involved. He and Baker can’t carry the Bucs to the super bowl. Also, Grizzard’s two play playbook is costing us games. We cannot fix those things here on this blog but Todd is the answer. If he can’t do it, he’s gotta go!
November 25th, 2025 at 6:56 am
Why the hell did they draft this kid He is healthy, practicing but won’t play? This franchise is disfunctional.
November 25th, 2025 at 7:05 am
Why not? Devon Achane gets 20+ carries a game and isn’t much bigger than Bucky. The key is not letting defenders square you up very often and Bucky is really good at that.
November 25th, 2025 at 7:09 am
Speaking of people who can play, has Devin Culp taken a snap? He was looking good last year in the passing game. Otton is no longer Mr Reliable more like Mr Okay. This is a great time to give Culp some snaps.
November 25th, 2025 at 7:13 am
Hopefully Bredeson is back as our O-line is woeful in pass protection, even Wirfs is having to pick himself off the ground. Until 100% we need to run the ball and when in need of a pass, since the QB doesn’t have time to get through his 3rd read, move Tez to your first read. I’ve re-watch games and quite frankly you can’t cover him. He’s as fast as Tyrek Hill and he has great hands.
Our OC looks every bit overwhelmed. When faced with a 4th and 3 or whatever, the play call must be beyond the line to gain.
Defense, if you’re not going to get to the QB then rush the 3 and put another CB out there and shut down the passing game. 400 yards and 30 plus points a game? That is not even close to Playoff football. Have 6 games to figure it out and better not let any of them look close.
Bowles wasn’t on the hot seat prior to 2 weeks ago, but that has certainly changed. IMO.
November 25th, 2025 at 7:45 am
rest bucky and baker until the divisional games
GO BUCS!!!
November 25th, 2025 at 8:52 am
Bucky isn’t playing again this season. Mark it down. At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if he never played again.
November 25th, 2025 at 10:07 am
We ask our RB’s to try to make good plays out of bad/predictable run play calls.
That’s a tough task for any RB.
November 25th, 2025 at 10:11 am
Tucker should be starting, he is the best pure RB on the roster, but for some reason he never gets his opportunity. He needs 20 carries a game. Bucky is not built for 17 game season.
November 25th, 2025 at 10:19 am
I remember it goes hand in hand with the defense and offense. Offense gives as much blame as the defense. Can’t just put up 7 pts. Defense also can’t give it up like a prosty on a Friday night. If the coaches don’t point this ship in the right direction fast we won’t be talkin playoffs we will be talking draft picks
November 25th, 2025 at 1:20 pm
COach sanders on twitter broke that story two weeks ago. @sanders19999 good follow breaks stuff way before our reporters
November 25th, 2025 at 1:35 pm
Buc You..I’ll mark it down but…where are you going to be this Sunday when Bucky’s running wild on the Cards?
You sound like a another Jeff….clueless.
November 25th, 2025 at 1:36 pm
bucyourmom…Dunn was about the same size as Bucky!
November 25th, 2025 at 2:58 pm
Can he sack the QB? If not I doubt he will make much impact since Tucker is just as good as him. We need help on defense,not offense
November 25th, 2025 at 3:03 pm
CaardiacKidz, what makes you think 10 if our DBs can cover any teams WRs. I don’t. We waster all those draft picks on DBs who can’t cover.
November 25th, 2025 at 4:49 pm
Agreed DR. You said everything I was going to say. Go Bucs
November 25th, 2025 at 5:26 pm
as much as I love Bucky, I don’t think I’d plan the rest of the year. Tucker and White are doing pretty well. It’s such an odd situation. Obviously something going on that Not many people are aware of.
I don’t know. I’m probably wrong.
November 25th, 2025 at 5:40 pm
I am surprised no is talking about what Todd makes per year. He is the second lowest paid HC behind Dave Canales. Guess you get what you pay for…
November 25th, 2025 at 6:39 pm
Seems pretty clear to me, he’s saying they plan on him playing unless there’s an unforeseen setback.
November 25th, 2025 at 7:54 pm
Would love to see documentation of this. See a whole lot of speculation. Bucs have never released Bowles’ salary as a head coach.
November 25th, 2025 at 8:53 pm
Interesting point. We understand what each player makes, but not the HC while other teams release this info. What’s to hide?
November 26th, 2025 at 12:43 pm
hire chucky now he brings fire passionate likes the bucs f the emails
November 26th, 2025 at 3:23 pm
I doubt they will but it wouldn’t surprise me if they lose this game, too!