When Mike Evans and Chris Godwin both went down on Monday Night Football in Week 7, the Buccaneers' playoff hopes seemed a bit bleak. Following a four-game losing streak from Weeks 7-10, it seemed like the Buccaneers might be fully out of the playoff race.
But you know what they say: winning fixes everything. Tampa Bay is currently on a three-game winning steak and sit atop the NFC South with a 7-6 record. Their playoff hopes are very much alive and they'll look to lock up a top-4 seed as a division winner.
Strong play from rookie running back Bucky Irving has played a key role in their recent success. Irving has racked up 313 rushing yards across his last three healthy games and is looking like a true difference-maker in the Tampa Bay offense. Unfortunately, the Buccaneers may be without their standout rookie in Week 15 against the Chargers.
WEEK 15 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kickers
Will Bucky Irving play this week? Injury update on Buccaneers' RB
Irving left last week's game (back/hip) and was unable to return. Unsurprisingly, he got off to a slow start in practice this week. Irving logged two DNPs to open the week, followed by a practice with limited participation on Friday. Despite his spotty participation throughout the week, Irving will play on Sunday.
Rookie RB Bucky Irving has been cleared to play for the Bucs today after getting only very limited practice work this week due to a tight back.
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) December 15, 2024
Irving is officially active and it's there are reports that he'll be able to play a full complement of snaps. Reports regarding player's workloads can be inaccurate, but hell be active at a minimum.
Buccaneers' RB Depth Chart: Who is Bucky Irving's Backup?
Irving may be taking over as the 1A in this backfield, but Tampa Bay has a more than suitable back to lean on in Irving's absence. Rachaad White was the team's bell cow last season and would see a heavy workload if Irving is unable to play.
Sean Tucker has also flashed throughout the year and would likely see an uptick in his usage without Irving on the field. Expect him to get some looks as an early-down rusher if Irving doesn't suit up this week.
Week 15 FANTASY FOOTBALL ROSTER MANAGEMENT
Lessons Learned | Stock Watch | Sleepers | Busts | Start 'Em, Sit 'Em | Usage Report
Bucky Irving fantasy outlook Week 15
Over the last few weeks, Irving has been on the trajectory of being a league winner during the fantasy playoffs. His role has been expanding and he's been among the most efficient backs in the league this season. Irving has finished as a weekly top-10 back in each of his last three healthy games.
If Irving is able to recover from this injury and play, it wouldn't be shocking to see him limited in some capacity with White taking the bulk of the work. To make matters even worse, the Chargers rank 27th in fantasy points allowed to running backs this season.
Everything considered, Irving is a fringe RB2 option if he plays. If you have reasonable running back depth, consider going in another direction to avoid this tough matchup and potentially limited usage.
