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Bucky Irving Returns to Buccaneers OTAs After Shoulder Surgery

The early on-field appearance signals progress toward being ready for training camp but requires contact work in padded practices to confirm full recovery.

Dec 11, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) runs onto the field during player introductions before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Irving made a surprise on-field return to Tampa Bay’s OTAs on Thursday, marking his first practice participation since offseason shoulder surgery.
  • He missed the first wave of spring practices while rehabbing the repair and had been expected to be ready later this summer rather than for OTAs.
  • Head coach Todd Bowles said Irving is progressing and the team expects him to be ready by training camp.
  • OTAs are non-contact sessions, so Irving still must demonstrate durability and performance once padded practices and training camp begin before his season availability is certain.
  • The Buccaneers signed Kenneth Gainwell for backfield depth, and coaches and teammates say a healthy Irving plus Gainwell could form a two-back plan that would ease Baker Mayfield’s workload and change Tampa Bay’s offensive balance.