Tampa Bay Buccaneers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

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.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (calf, hamstring) was not seen at the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday. If Evans ends up being an official DNP on Thursday, it will be his second straight missed practice of the week. The future Hall of Fame pass-catcher missed Weeks 8-10 due to a right-hamstring injury but has played the last two games for the Bucs, catching 13 of his 18 targets for 186 yards and a touchdown. In addition to his hamstring injury, he's now dealing with a calf injury that has put his availability for this Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders in question. Evans is a no-doubt, must-start fantasy wideout when he's active, but fantasy managers may need to prepare a backup plan in place he's unavailable in Week 14. If Evans cannot go, Sterling Shepard would likely be the WR1, with tight end Cade Otton most likely being the most targeted.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (calf, hamstring) was held out of the first practice of the week on Wednesday with both calf and hamstring injuries. A right-hamstring injury kept Evans sidelined from Weeks 8-10, but he's now also listed with a calf ailment. The 31-year-old still has two days left to get back on the practice field, but for now we will be closely monitoring his status as the team prepares to battle the visiting Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday in Week 14. If Evans is seriously in danger of missing this weekend, Sterling Shepard, rookie Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer would likely operate as the team's three starting wideouts. Tight end Cade Otton was a fantasy beast in the weeks that Evans was sidelined with his hamstring injury, so he'd most likely benefit the most if Evans misses another game. Evans is a must-start fantasy wideout if he's active, especially against Vegas.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (hip/back) did not participate during Wednesday's walk-through practice, according to Brianna Dix. The rookie standout sustained these injuries during last weekend's victory over the Carolina Panthers. While Irving did return to the game after the injuries, fantasy managers should continue to pay close attention to his status throughout the week. In this game, Irving posted a career-high 152 yards with a score and an additional 34 yards through the air. Over the past three weeks, Irving has begun to separate himself from No.2 option Rachaad White, as he has seen double-digit attempts and at least three targets in each contest. In addition, during this stretch, the Oregon product has averaged a strong 104.3 rushing yards per game. If Irving is good to go this weekend, he should be viewed as an RB1 facing the Las Vegas Raiders.