Todd Bowles knows Buccaneers are playing with fire when it comes to Bucky Irving’s role and the answer is already on the roster

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles acknowledged that the team must reduce running back Bucky Irving's heavy workload to keep him healthy over the remainder of the season. Irving has accumulated 189 touches and 167 carries through nine games, putting him on pace for 315 rushes. Bowles stated that while Irving serves as the team's bell cow, his frame may struggle to maintain such high volume.

Writer Evan Winter argues that fellow running back Kenny Gainwell provides an immediate solution to manage Irving's touches. Gainwell has totaled 305 rushing yards on 63 carries this season, alongside consistent contributions in the receiving game. Winter notes that utilizing Gainwell alongside Sean Tucker will help preserve Irving while keeping Tampa Bay's rushing attack productive.