NFL Week 5 best bets: Why we like Eagles and Lions on Sunday
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head to the Pacific Northwest this week to take on the Seattle Seahawks. But a game featuring two of the best throwback jerseys in the NFL will be without one of the top players.
Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles ruled out running back Bucky Irving for Sunday’s game in Seattle. Tampa Bay’s injury report noted that Irving did not practice at all this week with foot and shoulder injuries.
Irving was a breakout rookie running back last season with 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns which made him the most productive rookie running back in the 2024 NFL Draft class. The fourth-round pick entered the 2025 season as the starter in the Buccaneers’ backfield and was off to solid start.
Through the first four games of the season, Irving tallied 237 rushing yards on 71 carries. He’s also notched 19 catches for 193 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Bowles did not say that the team was placing Irving on injured reserve (IR). This gives reason to believe he will be back within the next couple of weeks and would not need a minimum of four weeks off.
With Irving out, veteran Rachaad White will likely take on more of the offensive load compared to prior weeks. Third-string running back Sean Tucker will also be more involved.
Is Bucky Irving playing vs. the Seahawks?
The Buccaneers ruled the running back out on Friday. Irving is dealing with foot and shoulder injuries, but is not on IR. That means he could make his return in Week 6.
Buccaneers RB depth chart
Tampa Bay drafted White in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Tucker was an undrafted free agent in 2023 and Williams was an undrafted free agent signed in 2025.
