Bucky Irving made a triumphant return to action on Sunday, showcasing his talent with a touchdown for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After suffering a shoulder injury in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Irving was sidelined for several weeks before making his comeback against the Arizona Cardinals.
The running back wasted no time in making an impact, scoring a 13-yard touchdown run to extend the Buccaneers’ lead to 17-3 during the second half. This marked Irving’s first touchdown of the season, as he had been unable to find the end zone in his previous four appearances before his injury.
The drive leading to Irving’s touchdown was impressive, covering 67 yards in seven plays and lasting just under four minutes. Prior to his touchdown, Irving had a two-yard rush at the Cardinal’s 40-yard line before being tackled by linebacker Cody Simon.
Irving’s return is a significant boost for the Buccaneers as they aim to secure a playoff spot in a competitive NFC South division. Despite currently leading the division, Tampa Bay faces tough competition from the Carolina Panthers for an automatic playoff berth.
Fantasy football coaches were undoubtedly thrilled by Irving’s touchdown, with many expressing their excitement and satisfaction online. The long-awaited score served as a reward for those who had kept faith in Irving during his absence.
Leading up to the game, there was uncertainty surrounding Irving’s workload and role in the offense. Coach Todd Bowles indicated that the Buccaneers would ride the hot hand at running back, with Irving sharing carries with Rachaad White and Sean Tucker based on performance.
Offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard had hinted at Irving potentially having a limited workload similar to Chris Godwin’s return from injury the previous week. However, Irving ended up playing a significant role in the game, leading the team in rushing yards with 61 on 17 carries and immediately returning to his pre-injury workload of around 50 snaps per game.
Overall, Bucky Irving’s return and impactful performance have added depth and versatility to the Buccaneers’ offense as they push for a playoff spot. His resilience and skill on the field have not gone unnoticed, and fans are eager to see more of his contributions in the coming games.
As fantasy owners celebrate Irving’s return to form, the Buccaneers look to capitalize on his talents to secure their postseason aspirations. With Irving back in action, Tampa Bay’s offense gains a valuable weapon for the challenges ahead.
This article was edited by Farouk Yusuf.
