Who Should I Start? Bucky Irving or Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Monday, February 16, 2:21 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) had offseason surgery on his shoulder, according to JoeBucsFan.com. Irving missed seven straight games last year from Weeks 5 through 12 with ankle and shoulder injuries. His ankle healed before his shoulder. The good news is that Irving's recovery and rehab are not expected to significantly impact his offseason preparation. Irving had 1,122 rushing yards and 5.4 yards per carry as a rookie in 2024, but his production dropped in Year 2 due to his injuries, as he finished with 588 rushing yards (3.4 yards per carry). The 23-year-old could have a bigger role in Tampa's backfield next season with Rachaad White not expected to return in free agency, although the Bucs will probably prioritize adding RB depth after Irving's injury issues in 2025. Irving will have bounce-back potential for fantasy managers this year, but he'll also carry injury risk as an RB2 target.

Saturday, January 31, 11:15 AM

New York Giants sophomore running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. saw his total touches and yards per touch drop from year one to two, as he missed some games early, spent time clearly running behind rookie Cam Skattebo, and never truly reestablished himself as the Giants' lead back until late in the year. His fantasy value took another hit in the touchdown category, slipping from six total scores as a rookie to only four in 2025. With Skattebo expected to return to full health for 2026 following a devastating ankle injury, the 26-year-old Tracy is likely to be relegated to more of a change-of-pace role and should be viewed as little more than a high-upside handcuff entering his third season.