Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is on track to return after offseason shoulder surgery, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Irving will miss the mandatory minicamp June 16‑18 but should be cleared for training camp later this summer. Coach Todd Bowles watched him on the sidelines during Tuesday’s first OTA and said he’s “coming along fine.”

Bowles added the team expects Irving back “in the summer or fall,” giving the Bucs a chance to restore depth at running back. Tampa Bay bolstered the position by signing veteran Kenneth Gainwell, while rookie Sean Tucker, who logged eight touchdowns last season, also returns. Former starter Rachaad White departed for Washington in free agency.

Irving played ten games last season, posting 865 total yards (588 rushing) and four touchdowns before injuries sidelined him for seven contests. His rookie campaign in 2024 yielded 1,514 yards and eight scores, earning sixth‑place voting for Offensive Rookie of the Year. His timely return could solidify Tampa Bay’s rushing attack for the upcoming campaign.

With Irving’s health cleared, Tampa Bay can deploy a three‑back rotation, blending Irving’s explosiveness with Gainwell’s pass‑catching and Tucker’s goal‑line savvy. Maintaining a balanced ground game will be crucial as the Bucs aim to improve on last season’s middling record and contend in a competitive NFC South.