Shoulder injury still lingering
The Buccaneers announced Tuesday that Irving (shoulder) may not be fully cleared for the start of OTAs, Andrew Harbaugh of USA Today reports.
Irving missed seven games from Week 2 to Week 12 due to a combination of shoulder and foot/ankle injuries in 2025. Though he returned for Tampa Bay's final six regular-season games, the 2024 fourth-rounder shared snaps with Sean Tucker (re-signed) and Rachaad White (signed with Commanders) and never quite looked fully healthy. The shoulder injury required an offseason procedure to address and Irving isn't yet cleared to practice, though Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports that his rehab is proceeding on schedule. Per Auman, Irving is expected to be limited during OTAs, which will take place between late May and early June, before being fully cleared for the start of training camp in July. Presumably, he will also be limited at mandatory minicamp from June 16-18. Tampa Bay added Kenneth Gainwell to the backfield via a two-year, $14 million contract in free agency, positioning Irving to face increased competition for touches, especially for change-of-pace work and third-down scenarios.
More Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fantasy Football News
Baker Mayfield
Looking for middle ground on deal
Mayfield reiterated Saturday to Steve McGehee of KWTV that he wants to remain in Tampa Bay on an extension, but the quarterback added that there is still work to be done to reach a middle ground in negotiations.
Chris Godwin Jr.
Entering camp as WR1?
Godwin appears the favorite to emerge as Tampa Bay's top wide receiver during training camp, River Wells of SI.com reports.
Bucky Irving
Spotted at OTA practice
Irving (shoulder) was on the field for Thursday's OTA.
Baker Mayfield
Wants new contract before camp
Mayfield said Friday negotiations with the Buccaneers on an extension are ongoing and he would "love to have a long-term deal" beyond 2026, but talks are currently "not anywhere close" and he considers the start of training camp a firm negotiation deadline, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Bucky Irving
Likely healthy for training camp
Irving is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, and while he isn't expected to take part in mandatory minicamp June 16-18, he'll likely be healthy during training camp, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Bucky Irving
May not be ready until 'summer or fall'
Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said Tuesday that Irving (shoulder) is expected back in "summer or fall," River Wells of Bucs Gameday.
Bucky Irving
Not practicing yet
Irving (shoulder) is present at OTAs but isn't participating in on-field work yet, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.
Ted Hurst
Viewed as true X receiver
Speaking with the media Tuesday, new Bucs OC Zac Robinson said third-round rookie Hurst is viewed as a "true X" receiver in Tampa Bay, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
Emeka Egbuka
Will focus on Z receiver spot
New Bucs OC Zac Robinson said Tuesday that Egbuka will focus on the Z receiver position in 2026 after moving around the formation as a rookie last season, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
Jalen McMillan
More talent added to wideout room
McMillan is expected to face increased competition for playing time and targets after Tampa Bay used a third-round pick on Ted Hurst in the 2026 NFL Draft, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.
