It doesn't look like we'll be seeing Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving on the field in Week 12.
Irving hasn't played since Week 4 because of shoulder and foot injuries, but we now know that his reason for not returning to action sooner has to do with more than just injury.
According to The Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud, the Buccaneers running back has "struggled emotionally" with being injured and away from the team and that has contributed to his absence.
"Bucky Irving struggled emotionally with being hurt and not on the field with his team for the first time in his career after suffering foot and shoulder injuries that has forced him to miss six games, the Tampa Bay Times confirmed," Stroud wrote.
"But mentally, Irving struggled with being injured and away from his team for the first time in his career. His personal support system has also been fractured by the loss of family members," Stroud added.
When it comes to Irving's expected return date, Stroud said he is expected to be ruled out this week, but Irving will "likely" play in Week 13.
"The Bucs are expected to rule Irving out of Sunday’s game against the Rams but it’s likely he plays next week when the Bucs hosts the Cardinals," Stroud wrote.
FOX Sports' Greg Auman reports that Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles will provide an update on Irving after practice on Friday but added that Irving is "in a good place" and is "close to a return to playing."
The news of Irving's off-the-field issue was first reported by Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, although he didn't go into specifics about what the issue was exactly.
Irving returned to practice last week and has continued taking part this week, albeit in a limited fashion. Tampa Bay will drop its final injury report of the week on Friday, so we'll have exact confirmation on Irving's status then.
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