The Buccaneers are heading west for a significant early season test that may not include their top rusher.
Bucky Irving is expected to be ruled out for Tampa Bay's game at Seattle due to a foot injury, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported.
Head coach Todd Bowles later confirmed Friday that will be the case for Irving in Week 5.
Rachaad White will be expected to take on a larger share of the running back duties with Irving out. Tampa Bay (3-1) may also lean on bruising back Sean Tucker more and could turn to rookie Josh Williams for another option in the backfield.
Irving followed up his excellent rookie campaign with a solid start to the 2025 season, proving himself as a three-down back by tallying nearly as many receiving yards (193) as rushing yards (237) through four games this season. Both of Irving's touchdowns have come as a receiver, and he ranks second behind only rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka in receiving yards for the Buccaneers.
The Bucs will have to rely on White as a pass-catching back and possibly turn to Tucker to spell Irving in rushing situations. Irving's injury is the latest for a team that has suffered plenty so far, including receiver Mike Evans (hamstring). Their resilience will be tested Sunday against a Seahawks team that owns an identical 3-1 record after one month.
