TL;DR
- Bucky Irving is nearing a return for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after an eight-week absence due to injury.
- Irving expressed frustration with being sidelined during the Buccaneers' recent struggles and losing their division lead.
- Baker Mayfield's availability for Week 13 is uncertain due to an AC joint injury, with Teddy Bridgewater ready to start.
- Irving's return adds a potential solution for the Buccaneers as they face a critical juncture in their playoff push.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving has been close to a return for a couple of weeks, but there was a ramp-up period for the second-year back.
Irving's final NFL appearance was in Week 4 versus the Philadelphia Eagles, forcing him to observe his teammates' efforts from the sidelines.
This has been challenging, particularly recently, as the Buccaneers have dropped four of their past five contests, forfeiting their NFC South lead and jeopardizing their playoff position.
Eight weeks have passed (the bye included) since Bucky last played in an NFL game, and his response to being asked about his extended time on the sidelines was precisely what one might anticipate.
“Tough,” Irving said. “It's always tough not being able to go out there and go to war with your guys, but just being able to go through that, learn from that, and just being able to move on. I'm happy to be back with my guys.”
More: Buccaneers' Bucky Irving reveals mental toll of injury as long-awaited return nears
The question remains: will Baker Mayfield be on the field for Week 13's game?
Mayfield, who is currently recovering from an AC joint injury and was observed wearing a sling at the Los Angeles Rams, stated that his focus is now on managing his pain.
But he's under no illusions that not being 100 percent is not good for the team if he were to play, and he did state he would know more about his limitations later this week at practice.
Should Baker be unable to play, veteran Teddy Bridgewater is slated to start in this pivotal matchup for the team, considering the current NFC playoff standings and the division race.
With Irving's return, Baker's status remains uncertain, potentially leading to a player swap for Tampa Bay as Todd Bowles' squad faces a critical juncture.
But at least now, Irving can be part of the solution.
More Buccaneers news:
- What happened to Desmond Watson? Recent news on Buccaneers' 464-pound DT flew under the radar
- Fans are wondering about Shilo Sanders' whereabouts, as the absence of fresh NFL team news for Shedeur's brother has them anticipating an update.
- Bucky Irving fantasy advice after grim Week 13 workload update from Buccaneers OC
- Buccaneers provide unclear injury status for Baker Mayfield as Teddy Bridgewater's quarterback decision approaches