“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.