Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving, who has been dealing with back and hip injuries, is expected to play in Sunday's game versus the Los Angeles Chargers, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported.
The Buccaneers' standout rookie rusher had played in every game this season and currently leads the team with 735 rushing yards and six touchdowns despite only starting one contest. He also has contributed in the pass game, accumulating 300 yards on 36 catches. Irving had a combined 313 rush yards in his last three full games, but exited Tampa Bay's Week 14 game versus the Raiders in the second quarter having only recorded four carries and a catch.
He had already been dealing with the back and hip injuries heading into last week's game, and similarly this week was given a questionable designation after only practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. But it appears that despite the lack of practice time, Irving will play through the injuries and be available for a key matchup for the Bucs.
The Buccaneers are holding on to first place in the NFC South but are only one game ahead of the Atlanta Falcons with four games left to play. Irving has been a key part of Tampa Bay getting back into contention after a four game losing streak, and the team will be happy to have him available in another big game this Sunday.
The Buccaneers (7-6) and Chargers (8-5) kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET.
Other injuries we are keeping an eye on ahead of Sunday's Week 15 games:
- Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (hamstring) will get a shot in pre-game workouts to prove he can play versus the Kansas City Chiefs, Rapoport reported.
- Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) has practiced in full twice this week, a sign he's ready to return versus the Denver Broncos, per Rapoport.
- Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (knee/shoulder) is expected to work out pregame to see if he can play versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the team optimistic that he can go, according to Rapoport.
- New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) is expected to play Sunday versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, Rapoport reported.
- Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard will test his ankle during pre-game warmups, and the team is hopeful he'll be able to play versus the Cincinnati Bengals, per Rapoport.