Is Bucky Irving playing for Buccaneers vs. Rams in Week 12? Latest update

Second-year running back Bucky Irving is moving closer to a return to game action for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but that return won't come against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football. 

After practice on Friday, Bucs coach Todd Bowles provided an update on Irving and said that the team was focused him on preparing him to return against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13. 

Bucky Irving won't play against Rams on Sunday Night Football

“Two months off the field. He got hurt. He didn’t handle it well because he got hurt for the first time," Bowles said. "He had a full practice this week. He’ll definitely be trending up to playing next week. So we’re just preparing him for the Arizona game, which is what we’re getting him ready for and that’s what he’ll be ready for.”

ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed that Irving's return would come against Arizona. 

"Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving, who has not played since Week 4 vs. the Eagles due to shoulder and foot injuries, is expected to make his return next Sunday vs. the Arizona Cardinals, per sources," Schefter wrote on X. "Irving looked strong at practice this week and might have been able to play vs. the Rams, but the team decided to hold him out, give him one more week and have him return next Sunday." 

Irving has been sidelined since late September due to shoulder and foot injuries. In his four games played this season, Irving carried the ball 71 times for 237 yards. He also caught 19 times passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns. As a rookie last season, Irving compiled over 1,500 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns. So it's easy to understand why the Bucs are eager to get him back into the fold.

In Irving’s absence, Rachaad White has shouldered the load for the Bucs in the backfield. White has rushed for 376 yards and four touchdowns on the season.

Even without Irving, the Bucs are going to have to find a way to pull out a win over L.A. Tampa Bay has dropped two consecutive games, and losing a third straight could put their playoff hopes in jeopardy.