FOXBOROUGH —The Patriots won’t have to deal with ,s top running back as the Buccaneers will be banged up when they arrive at Gillette Stadium for Saturday’s 1 p.m. game.

Bucky Irving, who has been out since Sept. 28 with foot and shoulder injuries, won’t return in New England.

He has been ruled out for Sunday’s game, according to Greg Auman of Fox Sports.

The Bucs had hoped that, coming off a bye, Irving might be able to return, but he didn’t practice this week.

Irving, who rushed for 1,122 last year as a rookie, had 71 carries for 237 yards before the injuries this season.

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