Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Bucky Irving Injury Update vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday Night Football

Is Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving available to play against the Dallas Cowboys in the Sunday Night Football matchup? The former Oregon Ducks star has been battling injuries throughout the season.

Dec 15, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) runs the ball for a first down in the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys are scheduled to face off on Sunday Night Football. What is the injury status of Tampa Bay's rookie running back Bucky Irving? The former Oregon Ducks running back has been dealing with injuries throughout the second half of the season, but Irving is less than 200 yards away from the 1,000-yard rushing mark in his rookie year.

According to Tampa Bay's official injury report, Irving is dealing with multiple injuries to his back and his hip. In the week of practice leading up to the Week 16 game against the Cowboys, Irving was a limited participant in practice. On Friday, however, the former Oregon Duck was able to fully participate in practice.

Irving was not listed on the team's official injury report before the game, meaning he should be good to go for the Sunday Night Football contest.

Dec 15, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) runs the ball for a first down in the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

With 852 yards on the season, Irving needs 148 yards over his next two games in order to pass the century mark for rushing yards. He averages 60.9 yards per game, so Irving's statline will be one to watch as the regular season reaches its conclusion.

Tampa Bay entered the season with Rachaad White as the team's starting running back, but Irving has impressed nearly every time he touches the ball. The former Oregon Duck leads the team in rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns.

MORE: Rose Bowl Ticket Prices: Oregon Ducks vs. Ohio State Buckeyes or Tennessee Volunteers

MORE: Oregon Ducks to Face Ohio State Buckeyes in Rose Bowl, College Football Playoff

MORE: Oregon Ducks vs. Ohio State Betting Odds: Rose Bowl, College Football Playoff

Heading into the game against Dallas, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an 8-6 record with a one-game lead over the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South. The Atlanta coaching staff benched starting quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. as the Falcons look to make a push for the postseason.

The NFC Wild Card race is a tight one, with the Washington Commanders currently holding the final spot with a 9-5 record. Should Tampa Bay lose the division to the Falcons, the odds are slim of making the playoffs through the wild card.

Dec 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) runs with the ball during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Raymond James Stadium. / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Cowboys have struggled after starting quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending injury to his hamstring. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush was thrust into the starting role, and Dallas is currently on the outside looking in for the playoffs with a 6-8 record.

The Dallas defense, led by defensive end Micah Parsons, ranks No. 29 out of 32 in the NFL in rushing yards per game, giving up 136 yards per game to opposing offenses' rushing attacks. Irving will look to reach the 1,000-yard mark as Tampa Bay's leading rusher.

MORE: Bear Alexander Transfer To Oregon Ducks: Exciting Test Of Dan Lanning's Culture

MORE: How Oregon Ducks Landed Transfer Portal Star Isaiah World Over Texas A&M Aggies

MORE: Why Oregon Ducks Five-Star Receiver Dallas Wilson To Flip To Florida Gators?

MORE: San Francisco 49ers To Draft Oregon Ducks Quarterback Dillon Gabriel? Brock Purdy Contract