Sun Dec 08 16:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Buccaneers’ Rookie Running Back Irving to Play Despite Injury Concerns; Multiple Players Ruled Out for Raiders Game
**TAMPA, FL** – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have rookie running back Bucky Irving in the lineup for their Week 14 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, despite being listed as questionable. Irving, the NFL’s leading rookie rusher and recipient of the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award, overcame a limited practice week to receive medical clearance. His presence provides a significant boost to the Buccaneers’ offense.
However, the Buccaneers will be without five players due to injury: Britt, Edwards, Hayes, Russell, and Tryon-Shoyinka. The team also announced that Hobbs, Mattison, Shorter, and White are out due to injury. The absences leave Tampa Bay short-handed in several key positions.
While star wide receiver Mike Evans and left tackle Tristan Wirfs were limited in practice, both are expected to play. The return of Wirfs is particularly crucial after he missed a previous game due to a knee injury.
The Buccaneers’ secondary will also receive a boost with the return of safety Tykee Smith, who missed the last three games due to a knee injury. His return is much needed given injuries to other defensive backs.
To compensate for the injuries, the Buccaneers elevated punter Jack Browning and cornerback Dallis Flowers from their practice squad. The team had to name seven players inactive to meet the NFL’s 48-man game-day roster limit. The Raiders’ inactives were not yet available at the time of publication. The game kicks off at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET.
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