Bucky Irving has quickly become a fan favorite with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with many fans wishing the backup would be the team’s starting running back.
Those fans may get their wish on Sunday.
The rookie, the team’s leading rusher after five games, could make his first career start when the Buccaneers take on the New Orleans Saints in a key NFC South matchup.
Rachaad White, who has started at running back in the first five games, has a sprained foot and was listed as doubtful on the Buccaneers’ injury report on Saturday. White was limited in practice on Wednesday, but did not practice at all on Thursday or Friday and will be a game-time decision.
Irving is the team’s leading rusher with 247 yards on 44 carries, averaging a 5.6 yards a carry, which ranks fifth in the NFL among running backs with 40 or more carries this season. White has rushed for 187 yards on 51 carries, an average of 3.6 yards.
Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles continues to shuttle the two backs, despite Irving’s better average per carry and a more explosive style. Bowles has indicated White’s a better receiver out of the backfield and better in pass protection.
White could play but it’s likely he won’t be at full strength and Irving could get the bulk of the carries during the game.