Buccaneers OTAs Updates: Bucky Irving’s shoulder injury, absent veterans, joint practice reveal, and more from Tuesday’s session
The Buccaneers held OTAs on Tuesday and while it’s still wildly early in the offseason, there are some developments that are certainly worth discussing a bit.
Tuesday marked the beginning of Tampa Bay Buccaneers OTAs and now we are in the meaty part of Phase III of the offseason.
Don’t get me wrong – we are still extremely early into the process that is the 2026 season in its entirety. Regardless, Tuesday was the first time players were allowed to participate in drills such as 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11s.
So, now that we have all that out of the way, let’s dive into the top updates from Day 1 of Buccaneers OTAs.
4 notable updates from Buccaneers OTAs
1. An update on Bucky Irving’s shoulder
As expected Irving didn’t participate in Tuesday’s session, per multiple reports. However, FOX Sports’ Greg Auman later reported Irving was “on the side” working with running backs coach Skip Peete.
This was totally expected, as Jason Licht said Irving might be ready for the tail-end of OTAs/minicamp. He’ll be ready for training camp, but the Buccaneers are making sure they do their due diligence until then.
In the meantime, Kenneth Gainwell, Sean Tucker, and Josh Williams will get the extra work, allowing them to rack up some momentum ahead of training camp.
2. Todd Bowles reveals joint practice opponents
Per ESPN’s Jenna Laine and FOX Sports’ Greg Auman, Bowles told reporters the Buccaneers will have two joint practice sessions against the New York Jets. They’re woking on finalizing at least one session with Liam Coen and the Jacksonville Jaguars, as well.
Both games are on the road, so fans will unfortunately miss out on some fun moments and good matchups.
3. Multiple veterans don’t show up for Day 1 of Buccaneers OTAs
Per Pewter Report, DT Vita Vea, EDGE Yaya Diaby, and EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad did not show up to practice. FOX Sports’ Greg Auman added T Luke Goedeke in the mix, as well.
This is the yearly reminder that these are completely voluntary and plenty of veterans skip out on this portion of the offseason. It’s totally understandable why Vea and Diaby didn’t show, as they’re more than familiar with the defense and the large majority of their teammates.
Todd Bowles also later specified Vea wasn’t at OTAs because he’s working out with former Buccaneer Ndamukong Suh.
It’s different for Muhammad, though, who is entering his first season with the Buccaneers. OTAs help lay the groundwork for chemistry and camaraderie and that can help fast track a newcomer’s development in a new environment.
By no means is this a finger-wag or anywhere close to such. Of course, personal reasons can always be the reason behind early absences and they are, most of the time. Regardless, we’ll see if Muhammad shows up before mandatory minicamp.
4. Overall injury updates
Guard Cody Mauch was a full participant, which is great news for the Buccaneers offensive line. EDGE David Walker participated, but it’s unclear if he was a full-go, or not. Either way, that’s great for him, as well.
The guys who sat out were DB Keionte Scott, DL DeMonte Capehart, S J.J. Roberts, and S Miles Killebrew. Scott is recovering from offseason wrist surgery, while Roberts and Killebrew are coming back from season-ending knee injuries.
Overall, it was an informative first day of OTAs. The next practice available to the media is next Tuesday, June 2. We’ll be sure to provide any and all updates after that practice, as well!