Jason Licht Talks Bucky Irving “Load Management”
November 6th, 2026
Bucs GM Jason Licht.
Imagine what was going through Bucs running back Kenny Gainwell’s mind when, three games ago, he got only two carries against his 2025 Steelers team in an overtime loss — a game in which Bucky Irving struggled to 2.4 yards per carry.
Joe thinks a few “WTFs” were in Gainwell’s head. The Bucs’ $7 million-per-year free agent signing already had moaned publicly about his usage.
Well, that usage changed significantly over the past two games when the Bucs ran, ran, ran their way to victories at Carolina and at home against Atlanta in a driving rainstorm.
Irving still was the bellcow, and he’s on pace for 312 carries 1,547 yards.
Before kickoff against Atlanta, Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht was asked about spelling Irving more often.
“Well, that was the vision going into this year,” Licht said on 98 Rock radio. “We do realize, you know, the talent that Bucky has, obviously. But there’s got to be a little bit of a load managment element to this.”
Licht added that Gainwell and Sean Tucker are proven runners. “And when you can rotate these guys, keep everybody fresh and not lose production, that makes us a much more dangerous offense,” he said.
Joe sees no reason to limit Irving or any other productive player this week — at Chicago on Sunday night. It’s all-in to remove the stain of the 0-4 start — and falling to 3-6 won’t do much to impress most Bucs fans.
Plus, the Bucs have a bye next week before playing at Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 22.
November 6th, 2026 at 1:01 pm
“Load management” indeed. When Licht talks, it’s usually out his @$$.
November 6th, 2026 at 1:17 pm
When is he going to disappear again. JL is everywhere when times are good and hides after a couple of losses. Forget your fandom; do you find that to be an admirable leadership quality?
I think most equate scouting skills with management skills. You will never hear me say he is a poor drafter, but General MANAGERs need to bring more to the table than to hide behind ownership’s skirts, passively manipulate optics to throw subordinates under the bus (coaches), and jumping on every mic when times are good and becoming invisible when fans are looking for accountability. “He is that man.” A catch phrased canned ham whose loyalty is only for self promotion.
November 6th, 2026 at 1:26 pm
Rachad White = ChiBuc?
November 6th, 2026 at 1:57 pm
ChicBuc
Maybe Licht is an acvtual manager. He praises his people publically, but discusses “opportunites” privately.
November 6th, 2026 at 2:00 pm
Homer Simpson as the GM. What an imbecile.
Without Brady he’s just another fat guy getting paid to expand at a geometric rate.
5-12 in the last 17 is what he’s built. That really sucks.
Snake oil salesman at best.
November 6th, 2026 at 2:58 pm
ProffVonBrainStew fat-shaming general manager Jason Licht has some laugh value in the ironic comedy sense.
November 6th, 2026 at 5:32 pm
Are Proffeser and McBaye butt buddies? My gosh! Get a room !
November 6th, 2026 at 6:22 pm
🤣🤣 I need to change my name to DCexBuc