Bucky Irving cleared for Buccaneers training camp after shoulder surgery

Running back Bucky Irving, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in his 2024 rookie season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, missed most of the 2025 campaign due to a labrum tear in his shoulder and a mid‑foot sprain. He underwent shoulder surgery in February and has been recovering throughout the offseason. Irving told Fox Sports Tampa that he feels healthy and expects to be ready for the Buccaneers’ first training‑camp practice on July 29.

The team has added former Steelers back Kenneth Gainwell, who posted 537 rushing yards and 486 receiving yards in 2025, to the depth chart. While Irving’s return eases fantasy‑football concerns, his workload may be limited behind Gainwell, potentially lowering his 2026 fantasy ceiling.

Irving’s injury history includes seven missed games in 2025 and a previous shoulder dislocation that kept him out for several weeks. He hopes the surgery will allow him to stay on the field for the full season and help the Buccaneers improve on their winless stretch.