Bucky Irving’s shoulder injury suddenly looks like a much smaller concern for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers than it did when Todd Bowles first left the door open for a “summer or fall” return.

That comment created some understandable nervous energy around Tampa, especially after Irving missed seven games in 2025. But the latest update from Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht makes the situation sound far more encouraging.

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Appearing on the *Sports Day Tampa Bay* podcast, Licht pushed back on the idea that Irving is facing a long layoff. He explained that, inside the building, the Bucs view training camp as part of the “fall” timeline Bowles referenced. More importantly, Licht made it clear the second-year running back is already close to full speed.

The message was simple: Irving is doing well, and the Buccaneers don’t sound worried.

That’s a big deal for a Tampa Bay offense that badly needs its running game to regain some bite. The Bucs were one of the NFL’s more effective rushing teams before injuries helped derail the ground attack last season. After finishing fourth in rushing yards, Tampa Bay slid all the way to 21st while Irving missed extended time.

That drop-off mattered. Baker Mayfield and the passing game carried plenty of weight, but Tampa Bay’s offense is at its best when defenses have to respect the run. Irving gives the Buccaneers a home-run element out of the backfield, with the burst and vision to turn ordinary plays into chunk gains.

The Bucs also added veteran Kenneth Gainwell in free agency, giving offensive coordinator Liam Coen more flexibility. Gainwell can handle passing-down work, contribute as a receiver and help keep Irving from being overworked early in the season.

Still, Irving is the key piece. If he’s healthy for training camp, Tampa Bay’s backfield looks a lot more dangerous than it did a few weeks ago.

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Bowles’ original comment may have sounded cautious, but Licht’s clarification changes the tone. Instead of a lingering injury storyline, this now looks more like a team being careful with an important young player in June.

For the Buccaneers, that’s exactly the kind of update they needed. A healthy Bucky Irving would give Tampa Bay a much better chance to rebuild its rushing identity and take pressure off Mayfield when the regular season begins.