Will Bucky Irving Make an Impact?

Bucky Irving , the former Oregon Ducks standout, capped off an impressive preseason with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers , solidifying his chances of making the 53-man roster ahead of the NFL's final cut day. Selected in the 4th round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Irving's performance has been nothing short of promising, particularly in the preseason finale victory over the Miami Dolphins , where he led the team with six carries for 26 yards and added a five-yard reception.

Over the course of three preseason games, Irving accumulated 80 rushing yards on 18 carries, including a touchdown, and averaged an impressive 4.4 yards per carry. His consistency and ability to make plays have not gone unnoticed, especially as the team faces critical roster decisions before the regular season begins.

"Just keep my head down, keep working," Irving said following his first preseason game. "I've still got a lot of things I need to keep working on to get better at, but I'm not satisfied. I'm just trying to improve and get better."

With veteran running back Chase Edmonds placed on Injured Reserve, Irving's path to a meaningful role in Tampa Bay’s offense has become clearer. While Rachaad White remains the clear starter, Irving’s versatility and potential have positioned him as a key contributor in the Buccaneers' backfield. His competition includes Sean Tucker and D.J. Williams , but Irving's preseason performance has likely secured him a spot on the roster. ... and maybe much more.

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Irving's prowess as a dynamic rusher and receiver was well-documented during his time at Oregon. On 186 carries, he rushed for 1,192 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. His ability to force 69 missed tackles and record 18 runs of 15-plus yards in 2023 showcased his potential at the professional level.

As the Buccaneers prepare for their season opener against the Washington Commanders on September 8th, Irving’s role within the team could expand, offering Tampa Bay a versatile weapon out of the backfield.