NFL Fined Buccaneers Running Back Bucky Irving

Bucky Irving was penalized for a chop block during the team's recent loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Football

Expressive painting of two American football players colliding on the field, utilizing team colors of the Buccaneers and Vikings. — The NFL fined Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving $6,988 for a chop block violation during the team's Week 3 loss to Minnesota. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The NFL has fined running back Bucky Irving $6,988 following his chop block violation during the team's 23-16 loss to Minnesota. The incident occurred during the Week 3 matchup.

Why it matters

League officials issued the fine after reviewing the game film, which resulted in a 14-yard penalty during the third quarter. The discipline follows a difficult period for the Buccaneers, who currently hold a 0-3 record.

The NFL issued a $6,988 fine to Bucky Irving following a 14-yard chop block penalty assessed with 4:28 remaining in the third quarter. The Buccaneers entered this disciplinary action following a 23-16 defeat.

The players

Bucky Irving

Bucky Irving is a running back currently playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield is the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who was injured during the Week 3 game.

Jalon Daniels

Jalon Daniels is a professional football player set to make his first NFL start in Week 4.

The details

The league reviewed the play from the Week 3 loss before assessing the fine against the running back. Irving is expected to maintain a significant workload for the team in the upcoming Week 4 game against the Green Bay Packers.

The game against Minnesota occurred on September 27, 2026.
The upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers is set for October 4, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This fine marks another setback for a Tampa Bay roster currently struggling with an 0-3 record and significant injury concerns. The loss of Baker Mayfield for the upcoming week forces a shift to Jalon Daniels at quarterback, altering the team's offensive strategy for the remainder of the season.

With Baker Mayfield ruled out, Jalon Daniels is slated to take over the starting quarterback role for the Week 4 matchup. This change in the backfield and under center creates significant uncertainty for the team's offensive output against Green Bay.

The takeaway

Disciplinary fines are a routine part of league safety enforcement and do not typically impact a player's active status. Fans should monitor the injury report closely as the team transitions to a new starting quarterback for the upcoming game.