“He’s Going To Get A Lot Less Touches This Year”
July 25th, 2026
A legend weighs in.
During the second half of the 2024 season, Bucky Irving averaged 18.5 touches per game.
Last year, Irving averaged 20.3 touches in the 10 games he played.
Those numbers are coming down.
That was the firm assertion by Bucs legend and team insider Rondé Barber.
“He’s going to get a lot less touches this year,” Barber said of Irving on the WFLA-TV streaming show named for him.
“And so I think not that Bucky won’t get 1,000 [yards] but I think that Emeka [Egbuka] clearly gets 1,000 before Bucky does.”
Barber is convinced newcomer veteran running back Kenny Gainwell will carry a Bucky-level load. “I think they’ll split [touches],” said Barber, adding that Irving is a smaller back and isn’t made for a big workload.
Joe is a big Gainwell fan, but Joe also thinks Barber is misguided. Gainwell averaged a career high 11 touches per game last season. He’s the same size as Irving and a similar player. He’s not made for a big workload, either. At least Irving has shown he can thrive with a large load (2024).
Barber added that he’s a big Sean Tucker fan and Barber is convinced Tucker can drop 100-yard rushing games occasionally if given a full-time load.
Joe will remind fans of Joe asking Todd Bowles point blank in March about Gainwell and Irving splitting time. Bowles was adamant that Irving is the No. 1 back and there is no competition.
Also worth considering, Gainwell played special teams in Pittsburgh and the Bucs may have him play there in Tampa. In addition to coverage, Gainwell also could be the Bucs kick returner.
July 25th, 2026 at 7:38 am
The signing of Gainwell is probably the most under the radar thing that’s happened this off-season that’s gonna have the biggest impact on the Bucs
July 25th, 2026 at 7:44 am
He’ll get less touches because i don’t think he’ll be available for 17 games. Hes not a Caddy type back, you can’t run Bucky often. His body can’t take it. Run Tucker more. There were times last season when Tucker was getting into rhythm but they’d take him out and put White in.
July 25th, 2026 at 7:56 am
So even less touches than the year before when he was out half the year lol, k got it. I really, REALLY despise this era of “minutes restriction” as you see with the only player that matters in womens basketball. “lOaD mAnAgEmEnT” in the NBA, and “limiting touches” in the NFL. There is no credible literature or real data that suggests this greatly reduces injury risk. Your body only adapts when you’re exposed to extreme physical demands. This overly cautious, treat scenarios and people with kid gloves doesn’t work. And look, not every player needs to play for 10 years ok, if Bucky gets run to the ground by year 4 then so be it. Whatever. If he has 12 carries for 96 yards, and he’s on a roll -you shouldn’t pull him because you’re fearful that little Bucky is going to have his knee explode on the 13th carry. It’s probably the worst in baseball when a starter gets pulled after 6 innings even if he’s struck out 9 and given up 2 hits. Can’t have him get to 100 pitches or his arm will fall off you guys. Warrick freaking Dunn has like 5 years worth of games with over 20 carries- i an era where you can basically choke slam a mfer. This generation sucks
July 25th, 2026 at 8:29 am
I hope Bucky got stem cell injections in his shoulder.
Kirk Cousins went to the Caribbean for his Achilles.
I have watched all 3 seasons of Quarterback on Netflix. Amazing show.
Side note: I think we need more Quarterbacks to run for President. They seem to be the coolest Americans we produce.
Back to Bucky, Gainwell and Tucker. Plus the LSU boy Josh Williams, we have a great backfield.
But will our guards stay healthy?
Will Goedeke stay healthy? Did Chukwuma evolve this off-season? Is he training at RT also?
We need to invest in more guard depth and competition.
Do you really wanna see Feeney on the field again?
Where’s Haggard? Will Klein get cut?
Can Shrauth actually move people?
I think a 3rd starting quality guard/center is also a vital backup.
What are the odds all 3 IDL make it through all 17 games plus the playoffs?
Very unlikely!
Invest in guards!!!!
July 25th, 2026 at 8:49 am
If Bucky plays like 24′, he’ll get more than Gainville. But Gainwell will definitely take a few away from Bucky. Also, play Tucker! Maybe Zac will make that happen.
July 25th, 2026 at 8:59 am
Rotational player
NOT a cowbell
Undersized, only average RB speed, body can’t handle the punishment of a bigger player
July 25th, 2026 at 9:09 am
As am OU Duck fan I have a special place in my heart for both Zac and Bucky and was thrilled when we got them with later round draft picks (4/7).
However you would have to be delusional not to address the concerns over their size…
Tez is the smallest WR in the NFL. But he is a baller and sure-handed chain mover when utilized properly.
Bucky is also an under-sized player with amazing abilities.
HOWEVER – you cannot continue to “pound the rock” with him given his size.
I am hopeful the arrival of Gainwell and continued development of S. Tucker will help prevent the early retirement of our beloved 5’9″ – 190 lb. RB…
July 25th, 2026 at 9:34 am
Truth speaks the truth.
2 under the radar off-season moves:
1. Gainwell signings
2. Danny Smith hiring
ST costs was 2 games last year and almost lost us the Jets game. The ST coach was special..like short bus special.
July 25th, 2026 at 9:36 am
I can’t recall the last successful 3 man rotation of RBs. It’s usually 2 man with one dominant and a couple occasional carries by a third. It works sometimes for WR but is not that common there either.
The Gainwell signing may be a godsend if Zac can employ him and Bucky similar to how Pitt used their backs last year. Regardless, there will be massive whining about Bucky or Tucker not getting the ball enough or some other ridiculous complaints. Zac will need to have massive success threading the needle on how to incorporate all the backs usage wise. These are not the Atlanta backfield. The run/pass mix will be entirely different to utilize the skills of the Buc’s backs. Gainwell had 70+ receptions last year, if I remember correctly, and often was lined up in the slot or outside.
Zac should be looking at the Pitt utilization and also 2 back sets if he wants to have success with these assets. He does not have the traditional “big back” to fall back on. He will fail if he tries to force a system on guys not cut out for the roles. Conversely, all three of our backs are almost interchangeable. Multiple back sets could cause mismatches on the defense. It will be interesting to see how creative Zac can be. There is no good reason to overuse Bucky, regardless of any pronouncements from the turtle. Hopefully, Zac is his own man and shocks us with a Coen-like winning formula.
July 25th, 2026 at 9:37 am
@ fanofdaBuc
“ST costs was 2 games last year and almost lost us the Jets game. The ST coach was special..like short bus special.”
Wow…
I’m amazed.
You do possess the ability to criticize this wonderful franchise.
I AGREE.
Congrats.
July 25th, 2026 at 9:42 am
@ Bad Bucs
“I can’t recall the last successful 3 man rotation of RBs.”
The last one I remember was the “three headed monster” who played for the NY Giants.
Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, and Ahmad Bradshaw.
Pretty solid group at the time and one of them ended up being a bust right here in Tampa Bay.
July 25th, 2026 at 9:51 am
Marine Buc
Thats what I was going to say, Earth, Wind and Fire was their nickname. They were the perfect 3 headed monster. And of course when Ward got to the Bucs he started dating a Kardashian and it was downhill from there.
July 25th, 2026 at 9:53 am
The only back able to save Baker from getting killed last year walked out the door. Now, we have a backfield of munchkins. I’m “hopeful,” but I’d feel more comfortable with a proven durable back in White than a one hit wonder head case like Bucky. Fingers crossed that he doesn’t fade away early like the tail lights of a Cadillac.
July 25th, 2026 at 9:56 am
@ Bee
“Earth, wind and fire”
Oh man nice recall homie.
I totally forgot about the “Kardashian” influence.
LOL!
No wonder this poor guy swirled down the toilet…
July 25th, 2026 at 9:59 am
@ Chi
“The only back able to save Baker from getting killed last year walked out the door. Now, we have a backfield of munchkins.”
Did you check out the vid of Gainwell doing reps at the squat of @ 500 lbs?
“munchkins”?
Gainwell > White – by a freaking mile…
Want to argue?
First check out the salaries NFL GMs were willing to pay both players.
July 25th, 2026 at 10:50 am
Bucky isn’t a bell cow he’s just not built that way. If they keep using him like one then they will run him into the grand and he will have a short career and RBs already have a short one at that. I like Bucky and think he’s a valuable weapon. He showed it his rookie season and if he can get back to that form we will be in good shape. I know nothing about Gainwell but like Joe said he’s built the same way and he didn’t have a large workload in Pitt. Joe already said it but we are going to miss white and the tough yards he got us.
Marine I get what your saying about the salary and personally I’ve never watched gainwell play it’s cool he can squat that much but like the great 99 said you ain’t repping weights on the 50 yard line. I do know that when used properly white was one of the best pass catching backs in the nfl I think it was 24 but he was up there with CMC in yards and YAC. Also Bucky which I’m a fan of really had only shown us 1 good season out of 2 so far. Deff had some head case issues last year which injuries will do that when it takes you away from what you love doing. He’s got a lot to prove this year as gainwell shoot the whole team has a lot to prove
July 25th, 2026 at 11:00 am
I’m with Barber. I think it will be very close to an even 50/50 split (maybe 45/45/10 including Tucker). That is BECAUSE both primary RBs are smaller.
White only had as many carries as he had last year because Bucky was injured. When Bucky was healthy, White was rarely season other than pony packages and third downs. It’s easy to see Gainwell getting a bigger share than that – especially considering what the Bucs are paying him. You don’t pay a guy low end RB1 money to sit on the bench or to be a third down specialty back.
July 25th, 2026 at 11:03 am
@Marine ,Save your breath people are toads! Hall from the jets Mcafferty niners and cook from the bills are the same size as the bucs backs ! What’s special is they catch the ball in other words they make plays! Go Munchkins!
July 25th, 2026 at 11:04 am
Mayfield will spread the ball out ! Which he can!
July 25th, 2026 at 11:05 am
I sure wish we could have a bruising back; a “sure thing” on short yardage plays!
July 25th, 2026 at 11:08 am
Bucky is a head case. Can’t pick up a blitzer, probably doesn’t know the new playbook. It’s a good thing 3rd and 28 chased Rachaad away.
July 25th, 2026 at 11:24 am
“He’s not made for a big workload, either. At least Irving has shown he can thrive with a large load (2024).“
Idk about all that.
Bucky rushed 173 times in 10 games played, that’s about 17.3 touches per game in ‘25. More carries in 10 games last year than Sean Tucker has had in 3 seasons combined as a Buccaneer.
In ‘24 he rushed for 207 times in 17 games which is about 12.1 touches a game. Bucky only had 5 games he rushed >15 times. 3 of the 5 games he managed to rush for >100 yards
Buckys’ workload was bigger in the games available in 2025 and his explosives were down along with his rush yards per carry. 2025 he had 8 games he had > 15 carries. Closest he got to 100 yards in any of those games was 85 yards on 26 carries in the season finale.
You might say, “well the OL was beat to crap” and I’d say that didn’t stop Rachaad White who started the majority of games in 2024 in comparison to taking a backseat to Bucky when available in 2025.
White in 2024 rushed 144 times for 613 which shakes out to 4.2 ypc
White in 2025 rushed 132 times for 572 which is 4.3 ypc
Obviously the health of the OL factored in, but things like usage rate and effectivity of the runner in a given game against given front played a part too. As fans we fall into the trap of thinking players at the same position are capable of the same things and the game doesn’t work like that.
Back to Tucker though, because in the 4 games over the last 2 seasons we’ve let him touch the ball as a rusher, he’s posted 326 yards on 57 carries for a 5.7 ypc avg and 4 TDs. Obviously a bloated stat line because, when he’s gotten some semblance of volume in 2 of those 4 games because he ripped off some chunk runs.
If Zac Robinson knows what’s best for he and his offense, he’ll just rotate all of these RBs and make them the backbone of his scheme
July 25th, 2026 at 11:29 am
*The Tucker point about the 4 games were games he toted the rock at least 10 times over the last 2 seasons. Just to show how, we have potential in a guy we’re barely used and imo that’ll be a bigger change than just figuring out who’s RB1 between Gainwell & Bucky.
If you cannot see the potential Tucker has as a runner for this team at this point you’re just staying blind to his talent on purpose and that’s on you. The majority of us see it plain as day.
July 25th, 2026 at 11:46 am
If they are such similar size I’m looking forward to seeing the Bucky repping out a bunch of 495 squats like Gainwell did the other day. They maybe look the same on paper but I think Gainwell has a much more durable build.
July 25th, 2026 at 11:49 am
@Marine and Bee
Thanks for the good memory. I guess I didn’t set my way-back dial far enough back. LOL.
2008 Tom Coughlin Giants. Plaxico Burris shot himself.
July 25th, 2026 at 11:55 am
You could go way back to Csonka, Kick and Morris. I forgot about them.
July 25th, 2026 at 11:57 am
Badbuc.328 needs to shoot himself!
July 25th, 2026 at 12:07 pm
For someone that doesn’t like personal attacks,you should look in the mirror, that’s your whole MO!! Damn shame,I feel sorry for you..
July 25th, 2026 at 1:20 pm
The joes are out for lunch. We shoot moderate ourselves! lol
July 25th, 2026 at 1:35 pm
Aqualung
When your whole thing is trying to piss people off you shouldn’t be surprised when people get pissed off and say things in anger to you. You’re a punk trying to push peoples buttons – you should be happy it’s working.
Seriously, only on the internet would this be an issue cause if you talked your shlt IRL you would have been shut up years ago with a simple slap or a punch to the nose. Loser 😭
July 25th, 2026 at 1:36 pm
The moderation is a joke. Useless. Blocks the acceptable allows the criminal. Joe is getting ripped off.
July 25th, 2026 at 3:48 pm
They signed game well pretty early and free agency and are paying him 7 mill per. That’s way more than Bucky, makes heck. Tucker’s even making more than Bucky, so that should tell you something. If they don’t use game well more than they wasted $7 million. I’m not sold on Bucky. It’s awfully small, and I’m not sure his head’s on straight, but this will be the year we find out.
July 25th, 2026 at 4:37 pm
Criminal! I’ve been on this blog prolly 2 months maybe 3 Been a Bucs fan since day 1 from Florida i must add so yes I’ve had my ups and downs with my home team! I can take constructive criticism but they crap that you spew out of your pie hole time in time out ,im sorry but i lost my ” moderation” im surprised noone has done it sooner..
July 25th, 2026 at 5:27 pm
@Steve V
Not the 1st time this person has tried to play victim bro…. Don’t sweat it.
July 25th, 2026 at 5:37 pm
I feel ya simple ,i got caught up ,my bad ! The ad says edgy analysis??,That person takes up air and space No use for people like that!
July 25th, 2026 at 6:37 pm
Fewer, Rondé! Fewer!
July 26th, 2026 at 6:47 am
@Marine, perhaps you missed this stat….”Gainwell averaged a career high 11 touches per game last season.” No need to dig around, it’s clearly stated in Joe’s article above. But as long as we are fully swallowing what execs are feeding you (“check out the salaries NFL GMs were willing to pay both players.”), let’s consider the fact that highly paid man beast Gainwell hit a career high 11 touches. So, why do you think this previous coaching staff, who have had eyes on him for multiple seasons, is so wrong and the men who you hold under a microscope (Bowles and Licht) are soooo right?
To answer your question, no, I don’t want to argue. I’d rather let the season confirm or reject my assumption. This blog is where we lay our bets and the season is when we cash in or go broke. I don’t hold any value in it or public opinion. I just find the speculation fun. Besides, you don’t strike me as the type of person to listen or to concede to another opinion, so what would be the point
July 27th, 2026 at 11:16 am
Same size, similar ball carrying style… maybe that was the point in getting him.
If Bucky can’t manage 30 per game, maybe having two Buckys that each carry 15 per game would be the alternative.
I can’t think of a time when it’s actually worked out, but maybe they’re trying it.