If Bucky Irving is on your fantasy team, you paid a pretty price for it. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ RB1 came with a high ADP around the second or third round in most fantasy formats and was delivering solid results in the first couple of weeks until injury struck. Initially expected to miss only a couple of games, Irving’s absence is now approaching five weeks. Can we expect him to return to the lineup this Sunday against the Patriots, or will he be sidelined once again?
Analysis
The good news for owners is that Irving got in more rehab coming out of the bye week. The combination of a foot and shoulder injury kept him sidelined through the bye, but he was able to participate in some running earlier this week, according to head coach Todd Bowles.
Unfortunately, Irving was held out of Wednesday’s practice, which is a foreboding sign for his availability against New England. Bowles confirmed he is unlikely to participate in full this week.
It would be highly unusual for a player to sit out the entire week and get into the lineup the ensuing game. But the rehab and running aspect is crucial since he is dealing with a lower-body injury. This indicates that a return may be close after all. The training staff is testing the waters of his health, seeing how he moves in the open field and responds to full speed. Hopefully he returns to full strength, but holding him out of contact drills all but ensures his absence for now.
Take heart, Bucky Irving owners. The return is coming soon, and he should be available for the stretch run of the fantasy football season. His comeback would be a massive boost for the playoffs, both in fantasy and in real life. However, we will have to wait another week. The Buccaneers aren’t ready to risk their top running back just yet.
