Bucs Coach Declares Bucky Irving as RB1 Over Gainwell

Todd Bowles leaves no doubt about the team's backfield pecking order.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:20pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football running play, with the player's body and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the Buccaneers' team colors.Bowles' bold declaration of Bucky Irving as the Bucs' RB1 sets the tone for the team's backfield plans this season.Phoenix Today

At the NFL's annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles firmly stated that running back Bucky Irving will be the team's RB1 this season, despite the offseason acquisition of big-money free agent Kenneth Gainwell. Bowles made it clear that Gainwell will be used in a complementary 1b role, likely seeing significant snaps on special teams as well.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers' backfield was a question mark heading into the offseason, with Bucky Irving coming off an injury-plagued 2025 campaign. Bowles' strong endorsement of Irving as the lead back signals the team's confidence in him, even with the addition of the talented Gainwell, and could impact fantasy football draft strategies for Tampa Bay's offense.

The details

Bowles left no ambiguity when asked if there would be an open competition between Irving and Gainwell for the starting running back job. He firmly stated that Irving will be the RB1, with Gainwell serving in more of a 1b complementary role. The Bucs plan to utilize both backs, but Bowles made it clear that Irving is the clear lead dog in the backfield pecking order.

  • The comments from Bowles came during the NFL's annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona on March 30, 2026.

The players

Todd Bowles

The head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Bucky Irving

The Buccaneers' starting running back, coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season.

Kenneth Gainwell

A big-money free agent running back signed by the Buccaneers this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Bucky is the No. 1 running back.”

— Todd Bowles, Head Coach

The takeaway

Bowles' firm declaration that Bucky Irving will be the Buccaneers' lead back in 2026 provides clarity on the team's backfield plans and could impact fantasy football draft strategies, as Irving looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 season.