C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans have one more reason to study Tampa Bay’s backfield this offseason. Bucky Irving, the Buccaneers’ emerging franchise cornerstone, is expected to be healthy in time for training camp after dealing with a shoulder injury that limited him during the 2025 campaign.
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reported that while the Bucs may employ a running back by committee approach, Irving remains the chairman of that room. Sean Tucker has shined in a shared role and during Irving’s absence, while Gainwell is also expected to command offensive snaps. The numbers reveal a pattern: Tampa Bay’s ground game thrived even without Irving at full strength, suggesting his return elevates an already productive unit. Based on available data from his first two NFL seasons, Irving has quickly become a household name across the league, making him one of the more dynamic young backs in the NFC South.
For Stroud and the Texans, who face Tampa Bay in the 2026 regular season under the AFC-NFC South rotation, Irving’s health adds another layer to an already challenging matchup. The Texans’ defensive front will need to account for a backfield that now features three capable options, with Irving as the go-to weapon. For complete coverage, see Bucky Irving Expected Healthy for Bucs Camp in NFL Injury Report.
