The missed-tackle machine returned to action and made his presence felt through electrifying play. On Sunday in Week 13, Bucky Irving led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in scrimmage yards during his first game back since being injured in Week Four, contributing 81 yards off 17 carries for 61 yards with one score and two catches for 20 yards. His rushing touchdown marked his first of the 2025 slate, and his third overall scrimmage touchdown on the year.
With his 81 yards on Sunday, Irving eclipsed the 2,000 scrimmage yards milestone in the 22nd game of his career. In addition, he became the third player in franchise history with 2,000-plus scrimmage yards in their first 25 career games (Warrick Dunn, Doug Martin). The only other running backs drafted since 2018 with 2,000-plus scrimmage yards in their first 22 career games played are Saquon Barkley, Jahmyr Gibbs, Josh Jacobs and Jonathan Taylor.
Irving has spent much of the 2025 season recovering from the foot and shoulder injuries he sustained in September, waiting for his day back on the gridiron. The Oregon product made the most of his pitch count, generating additional yards off quick lateral jump cuts, with outstanding vision, understanding of what the defense is attempting to do and excellent leg drive. He displayed his elusive features, leaving the Cardinals' defense reeling. Irving provided an offensive spark with his short-area quickness and awakened the sea of faces in the backdrop at Raymond James Stadium.
"Starting with Bucky, just the explosive play ability," noted Quarterback Baker Mayfield. "Just having him back out there – he gets a lot of attention whether he's getting the ball or not. The play's never over – it doesn't have to be blocked up perfect. When you have three healthy backs, they can kind of rotate in and feed off of each other – so, it's great."
Irving's 13-yard touchdown run in the third quarter provided the Bucs with a 17-3 lead. Luke Goedeke pulled on the play and Chris Godwin Jr. executed a block to seal the edge for Irving to find the end zone. Irving's ability to redirect with ease and out-leverage defenders with nimble feet helped spark the offense in Week 13 against the Cardinals.
