The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offseason just added another storyline — and it centers around one of their most important offensive pieces.

Running back Bucky Irving reportedly had shoulder surgery after the season, a procedure that surfaced following an injury-plagued year that never quite found rhythm. The good news for Buccaneers fans? Early indications suggest the recovery timeline should allow Irving to take part in offseason workouts without major restrictions.

Irving’s 2025 campaign was anything but smooth. He was sidelined for seven consecutive games between Week 5 and Week 12 while dealing with both ankle and shoulder issues. When he returned in Week 13, he worked his way back into the starting lineup and closed the year with five straight starts, showing toughness even if the explosiveness wasn’t always there.

The numbers tell the story of two very different seasons.

As a rookie, Irving burst onto the scene with 1,122 rushing yards and averaged an impressive 5.4 yards per carry. He looked like a future centerpiece in Tampa Bay’s backfield. Fast forward to 2025, and that production dipped to 588 rushing yards with a 3.4 yards-per-carry average — a significant drop that reflects both injury limitations and offensive inconsistency.

Now, heading into 2026, the opportunity is clear.

With Rachaad White expected to test free agency, Irving is positioned to reclaim the lead role in the Buccaneers’ rushing attack. Tampa Bay’s offseason decisions at running back will be worth watching, but all signs point to Irving entering training camp as RB1.

The shoulder procedure could actually be a long-term positive. Playing through lingering injuries often limits effectiveness more than time spent rehabbing properly. If the surgery resolves the issue that hampered him last season, Irving could look much closer to the dynamic runner fans saw during his breakout rookie year.

For a Buccaneers offense searching for balance and explosiveness, a healthy Bucky Irving could be the difference-maker.

Tampa Bay’s offseason workouts and training camp will provide the first real glimpse into how fully recovered he is. If he’s back to that 5.4-yards-per-carry form, the Bucs’ ground game could quickly become one of the most improved storylines of the 2026 NFL season.

For now, the headline is simple: Bucky Irving is healing — and Tampa Bay’s backfield future still runs through him.