Former Ducks RB Bucky Irving expected to play next week for Buccaneers

After missing the past seven games with shoulder and foot injuries, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is expected to make his return to the field next week against the Arizona Cardinals. The former Oregon Ducks standout sustained injuries in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles and finished the game before being held out for nearly the past two months.

After an excellent rookie season, the 2024 fourth-round pick earned the starting nod in the Buccaneers' backfield. By the time of his injury, he had carried the ball 71 times for 237 yards, both team-highs. He was also a significant part of the passing game as well, catching 19 passes for 193 yards and two scores. His 430 total yards were far and away the most on the team when he went down.

For the first month of his absence, the Buccaneers stayed afloat while quarterback Baker Mayfield put up MVP-caliber numbers. They went 3-1 in October — but November has been a different story. With reserves Rachaad White and Sean Tucker taking over the running back duties, Tampa Bay ranks 20th in rushing yards per game, lacking the pop that Irving brings.

The Buccaneers have dropped three games in a row, dropping their record from 6-2 to now 6-5 after a blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night. Their lead in the NFC South quickly diminished, as they're tied with the Carolina Panthers for first place in the division.

But with the former Duck in Irving expected to be back in the lineup against the Arizona Cardinals next week, the Buccaneers surely hope that it stops their three-game skid and powers them to a playoff berth.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Former Duck RB Bucky Irving expected to play next week for Buccaneers