Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Bucky Irving

Monday, November 9, 7:58 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is on pace for a career-high 315 carries in 2026. Head coach Todd Bowles said he does not know if Irving can sustain that heavy a workload, so the team might work to lessen his workload in the second half of the season to preserve his health and make sure he is healthy to the end, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. In the 27-24 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday night, the 24-year-old had 20 rushing attempts for 97 yards and two touchdowns while adding four catches on five targets for 28 yards in the passing game. It was the third straight game, and the fourth time in the last five contests, that Irving had 20-plus rushing attempts. With the added volume, Irving has been one of the most productive RBs in the NFL in 2026, averaging 4.9 yards per carry for 825 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns on 167 carries in nine games played. He needs just two rushing scores to set a new career high. Irving has five rushing TDs in the last three games. A drop in touches in the second half will obviously lower Irving's fantasy ceiling and allow backfield mate Kenny Gainwell to see the ball more.