Bucky Irving fantasy replacements: Top 5 RBs you should trade for amid Bucs star's uncertain return timeline

Bucky Irving fantasy football managers have seen two different stages of feelings with Irving this season: elation and despair. After a hot start to his season, Irving suffered foot and shoulder injuries after an opening month that was as good as any running back in the NFL. He has not been seen since Week 4. Irving was never placed on the injured reserve and was always seemingly around the corner.

However, that corner hasn't come yet, with the closest being limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Rumors are swirling, including a bizarre tease of a report from Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio clipped by a fan that many have suggested could mean the end of Irving's season. If there's any validity at all to the hint on display, it's time to give up hope and look for another running back.

Here's a look at five running backs worth considering to replace Irving.

Top 5 RBs you should trade for to replace Bucky Irving

Buxky Irving at Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Source: Imagn

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#5 - David Montgomery, Detroit Lions

David Montgomery has been the Achilles Heel of Jahmyr Gibbs for years, and if you can get him, you would have a running back who has earned double-digit carries three of his last four games. Montgomery is a goal-line back, which gives him extra chances to score touchdowns if the up-and-down Detroit Lions offense can get in range. Bucky Irving managers could do worse.

#4 - Woody Marks, Houston Texans

Woody Marks has tallied double-digit carries in every game since Sept. 28, sans one. In terms of opportunities, there are plenty of weekly chances for him to have a breakout game in a big spot. He's still looking for it, but as a rookie, it could come at any moment. At this point, something is better than nothing for Bucky Irving managers.

#3 - Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders

Ashton Jeanty is still a starting-caliber running back in fantasy football, even if he hasn't become the Marshawn Lynch many speculated he would as the top back in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Part of the problem has been scripting, as the Las Vegas Raiders have spent more time chasing than leading this season. Still, there are some opportunities for competitive matchups down the stretch in which Jeanty could sing.

#2 - Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears

Kyle Monangai seems poised for a breakout in the near future. He has elevated from a forgettable rookie in September to a back that is borderline worth featuring. His biggest wall to climb is D'Andre Swift, but brighter days are ahead for Monangai. As a boom-or-bust back, you may have a manager who has been frustrated enough to move on after picking the wrong games over the past month.

If that's the case, you now have a Bucky Irving replacement.

#1 - Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Bucky Irving potentially out for the season and Sean Tucker coming off his best game of the year, the choice is easy. If you have someone in your league who has heard the pseudo-report on Irving and believes it without a doubt, believes Tucker's breakout was a fluke, and is willing to make a trade, you may be able to trade Irving for Tucker.

Edited by Ian Van Roy