TAMPA — Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving took first-team reps, ran at full speed and stacked cuts at the opening of Tampa Bay’s 2026 training camp, returning without restrictions after shoulder surgery ended his injury-marred second season.
“He feels fine, he’s great,” Head Coach Todd Bowles said. “He’s full speed. He’s full-go right now. Obviously, when we get in pads, we’re not easing him back from anything. So, we feel pretty good right now.”
Irving missed seven games last season and played 95 fewer snaps than his 2024 rookie campaign after dealing with simultaneous shoulder and foot injuries. His per-carry average dropped from 5.4 yards to 3.4, and his yardage totals were essentially cut in half from a rookie year that produced 1,122 rushing yards, 1,514 yards from scrimmage and 47 receptions.
“Shoulder [is] feeling good,” Irving said. “I just want to thank the training staff and everyone that helped me on the road to recovery. Just taking it day-by-day. I just want to give a big thanks to them for helping me get back to where I want to be.”
As a rookie in 2024, Irving ranked second in the league in missed tackles forced percentage at 36.9% among players with at least 100 carries and finished eighth among NFL running backs in yards from scrimmage. Fans at Raymond James Stadium were routinely chanting his name by season’s end. The setback last fall was the first significant injury of a football career that began when he was 4 years old.
“We play a physical game. At some point in life or playing this game, some adversity is going to happen and you just have to know how to respond it,” Irving said. “I learned a lot about myself. What this game means to me.”
Irving, who will operate in new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s rushing attack, said the adversity has only sharpened his edge. “I’ve been doubted my whole life, and just being able to have an edge…I’ve always been told I’m too small, I’m not fast enough,” he said. “Like I said, I don’t take this game for granted. Each and every time I step on the field I’m trying to give my all for this team and for this community.”
Bowles said Irving’s shoulder will face a fuller test when the team puts on pads later in camp but reiterated there will be no limitations on his workload.