The Buccaneers improved to 2-0 on Sunday, but their running backs room was dealt a blow in the process. Chase Edmonds suffered an MCL sprain, reports NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Schultz notes that Edmonds suffered a grade 2 sprain, and will miss between four and six weeks as a result. That timeline would open the door to a stint on injured reserve for the 27-year-old. Players placed on IR are required to miss at least four weeks.
Edmonds joined the Buccaneers on a one-year deal worth the league minimum following his release from the Broncos. Denver acquired him at the trade deadline from the Dolphins, as he was part of the package Miami sent in the Bradley Chubb deal. That move marked an end to Edmonds’ time in South Beach, one which began on a two-year, $12M contract in free agency. The former fourth-rounder earned that pact in free agency following his time with the Cardinals.
Edmonds saw an incremental uptick in playing time during each of his seasons in Arizona, recording a career-best 592 rushing yards (on an average of 5.1 per carry) in 2021. His performances with the Dolphins and Broncos after that failed to match that production, making it little surprise that he was a Broncos cap casualty this offseason. His Tampa Bay deal allowed him the opportunity to take on a backup role in the aftermath of Leonard Fournette‘s release request being granted, something which paved the way for 2022 third-rounder Rachaad White to take on starting duties from the outset of the 2023 season.
Tampa Bay has White, as well as undrafted rookie Sean Tucker and former third-rounder Ke’Shawn Vaughn in place as healthy options in the backfield. The latter has yet to suit up this year, but that could change in the wake of Edmonds’ injury. Head coach Todd Bowles said, via Fox Sports’ Greg Auman, the team currently plans to rely on its in-house options at the RB spot. That group of backs will look to carry on the Buccaneers’ early success while Edmonds is sidelined for an extended stretch.
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