Bucky Irving DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (hip, back) is expected to play in Week 14 when his team lines up against the Las Vegas Raiders. The rookie picked up two injuries in last weekend's 26-23 win over the Carolina Panthers, starting the week with back-to-back DNPs. However, the 22-year-old would be upgraded to limited on Friday and now carries a questionable designation heading into Week 14. That he could at least get in a limited practice is good news for Irving, but it doesn't guarantee his being active for the matchup. If he plays, he'll be a strong RB1 option. If he can't, teammate Rachaad White is projected to handle the majority of the backfield touches, with Sean Tucker mixing in behind him. Irving is RotoBaller's PPR RB8 in this week's rankings.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (back, hip) is officially listed as questionable for the Week 14 contest this Sunday against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders. Irving missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday but returned to a limited session on Friday, giving him a chance to play this weekend. Fantasy managers will want to check back on the impressive 22-year-old's status on Sunday morning. If he's active, Irving needs to be in all starting fantasy lineups in a plus matchup against the two-win Raiders as Tampa's most explosive and productive back in 2024. If Irving is held out, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker would split the backfield work on Sunday, with White having clear RB2 upside for fantasy managers. Irving has found the end zone six times on the ground in his first 12 NFL games and is averaging a strong 5.5 yards per carry on 133 rushing attempts in 2024.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (hip/back) returned to practice on Friday, according to a report from Fox Sports' Greg Auman. The rookie from Oregon has been in stellar form recently, compiling 313 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and 12 catches in his past three games, but he did not practice either Wednesday or Thursday as Tampa prepares for Las Vegas in Week 14. Fantasy managers will have to keep on eye on the injury report to see if Irving will be ready for a decent matchup against the Raiders. If available, Irving's play lately has moved him into RB1 territory as the fantasy playoffs approach.

Correcting a previous report, Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (hip, back) remained sidelined during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report as the rookie may be in danger of missing Sunday's tilt. Irving left last weekend's game with these injuries but was able to return to the field eventually. In this game, Irving posted a season-high 152 yards with a touchdown. However, seeing him remain sidelined during the first two practices of the week is not a positive sign of his availability this weekend. Over the past two weeks, the Oregon product has established itself as the lead option in the Tampa Bay running back room. If Irving were to sit out on Sunday, Rachaad White would likely be the top option, with Sean Tucker as the No.2 facing the Las Vegas Raiders.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (back, hip) was able to return to practice on Thursday after he was listed as a DNP on Wednesday. Irving will most likely be listed as limited for Thursday's session, but it at least puts him on track to be available this weekend for an excellent matchup against the two-win Las Vegas Raiders. Even though Rachaad White and to a lesser extent, Sean Tucker, remain involved in Tampa's backfield, Irving has been the most productive ball-carrier for the Bucs in 2024 and should be viewed as an RB1 this weekend if he's available to suit up. The 22-year-old fourth-rounder leads the team in rushing yards (732), carries (133) and rushing touchdowns (six) and is coming off his best performance of the year -- 25 carries for 152 yards and a score -- in the Week 13 overtime win over the Panthers. Irving has scored in three straight games on the ground.