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 struggled with injuries in the second half of the season, but Irving is less than 200 yards shy of the 1,000-yard rushing mark in his rookie year.

According to Tampa Bay’s official injury report, Irving is dealing with multiple back and hip injuries. During the week of practice leading up to the Week 16 game against the Cowboys, Irving participated in limited practice. However, the former Oregon Duck was able to fully participate in practice on Friday.

Irving was not listed on the team’s official injury report prior to the game, meaning he is expected to be fit for the Sunday Night Football contest.

With 852 yards this season, Irving needs 148 yards in his next two games to break the hundred rushing yards mark. He averages 60.9 yards per game, so Irving’s stats will be one to keep an eye on as the regular season comes to a close.

Tampa Bay began the season with Rachaad White as the team’s running back, but Irving impressed almost every time he touched the ball. The former Oregon Duck leads the team in rushing attempts, yards and touchdowns.

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Heading into the game against Dallas, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a record of 8-6 and a one-game lead over the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South. Atlanta’s coaching staff has subbed 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 highly competitive, with the Washington Commanders currently in last place with a record of 9-5. If Tampa Bay loses the division to the Falcons, the chances of getting into the playoffs through the Wild Card are slim.

The Cowboys struggled after starting quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending hamstring injury. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush has been pushed into the starting lineup, and Dallas is currently on the outside with a 6-8 record and looking toward the playoffs.

The Dallas defense, led by defensive end Micah Parsons, ranks 29th of 32 in the NFL in rushing yards per game and allows 136 rushing yards per game to opposing offenses. With Tampa Bay wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin out due to injuries, Irving is expected to get a decent amount of carries against the Cowboys.