Todd Bowles Is Adamant: Bucky Irving Is RB1
March 30th, 2026
There was no waver in Todd Bowles’ voice this morning in Phoenix at the NFL annual meeting.
Joe asked Bowles if newcomer, big-money running back Kenneth Gainwell would be in an open competition with Bucky Irving for the starting the running back job this season.
That will not be the case, Bowles replied. Bucky is the No. 1 running back.
Of course, like nearly every NFL team, the Bucs will use multiple backs, but Bowles was clear that Gainwill is seen as a 1b guy and the Bucs will not hesitate to use him on special teams, where Gainwell has excelled in coverage and been an OK kick returner.
Quite an endorsement for Bucky so early in the new year, and coming off shoulder surgery and a shaky, injury-plagued season.
March 30th, 2026 at 12:23 pm
If a coach’s lips are moving, he’s not telling the truth.
March 30th, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Duh.
Of course Bucky is the starter.
March 30th, 2026 at 12:31 pm
Bowles probably said he’s totally confident in his turd of a defense too, huh?
March 30th, 2026 at 12:32 pm
Bowles is an idiotic moron in some ways. Especially when it comes to RB hierarchy and usage.
Bowles should’ve been fired after last season, but he will most certainly be fired after next season.
March 30th, 2026 at 12:34 pm
We need Bowles to hire the Smith Brothers, Lovie and Mike, to have an updated version of The Three Stooges.
March 30th, 2026 at 12:38 pm
Why is it the DC’s call to who is starting on the Offense…. I know Bowles is the lame duck HC but he should let his OC make that call during or after camp.
March 30th, 2026 at 12:39 pm
I’m a die hard Buc fan, been one from day one of this franchise
But l don’t believe anything Licht or Bowles say
I said it last year when they said Kyle Trask was their backup QB
And Teddy Bridgewater was brought in a few days later
And they kept repeating it, until finally they cut Trask
They kept saying Rachaad White was their RB1, when Bucky was a rookie
White was old news before the seasons ended
March 30th, 2026 at 12:43 pm
RB1, but who’s going to finish games because Bucky has some bouncing back to do. Last year he was used to the point where I got a little tired of seeing him so much, especially knowing we had other RBs in the room that could do as much if not more with the opportunities Grizz kept heaping on Bucky.
March 30th, 2026 at 12:56 pm
Good someone would have to beat him out on the field.
March 30th, 2026 at 12:56 pm
This is why I laugh when Training Camp comes and Coaches say “there’s gonna be competition at all positions”
Albeit, this is a good play. To give Bucky some much needed confidence going into the season after last year’s troubles, and at the same time, Kenny the player and the competitor when he hears this is thinking “I’m gonna show you”
I actually dig our RB room. And here’s to hoping for a return of 2024 Bucky!
March 30th, 2026 at 1:09 pm
My prediction
There will be no RB1
There will be RB by committee
Whoever got the hot hand, who’s best for this situation
March 30th, 2026 at 1:49 pm
Pretty clearly Bucky was dealing with a mental health issue last season. Todd stating Bucky has the starting job before camp starts is, partly, to keep more stress from festering between Bucky’s ears. We all love Bucky. We chant Bucky!, Bucky! Mayfield blocks 20 yards downfield for him. He’s electric. But…this is a team game. An organization is many, many people. I’m all for giving Bucky all the support he needs, and then some. I’m not all for giving him a job he hasn’t earned. Not by a long shot. I’m betting he’s going to get through whatever he’s been dealing with and have a great season. And he’ll do that all by himself by earning it. Go Bucky! We’re a far better team when he rushed for 1150 yards and 5.5 a carry. Great pass catcher and eager blocker. He’s enough of a ball player where it would probably offend him conferring he doesn’t need to earn the starting job.
March 30th, 2026 at 1:54 pm
by default lol
GO BUCS!!!!
March 30th, 2026 at 1:58 pm
I had a dream last night Bucky ripped off a 75 yard run on the first play of the 2026 season.
March 30th, 2026 at 2:28 pm
Does Todd still believe the inside linebackers are the teams deepest unit?
March 30th, 2026 at 2:53 pm
Being number 1 right now does not really matter. Let’s revisit this in September.
March 30th, 2026 at 2:58 pm
🤡👎