Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles: Give Sean Tucker the Ball More Often

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles revealed that backup RB Sean Tucker is poised to make a significant impact if given the opportunity, providing a silver lining after Rachaad White exited Saturday’s game against the Titans with a groin injury.

Tucker is a valuable asset to the Buccaneers’ running game, according to Bowles, who highlighted his ability alongside last season’s top rusher, Bucky Irving.

“Sean brings us another explosive runner,” Bowles stated. “He’s a game breaker for us, really, he’s got very good contact balance, he can break a lot of tackles, he can naturally find holes. He’s very fast but he looks so smooth doing it that you really can’t tell until he gets into the open field. and then he’s tough to bring down. He has great vision, and every opportunity he’s gotten, he’s shown. Like I keep telling the guys on offense, we’ve got to give him the ball more.”

According to Bowles, he’s been pushing his offensive staff to increase Tucker’s involvement, a plan that predates White’s injury.

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“I keep telling the guys on offense, we’ve got to give him the ball more,” Bowles said.

Tucker’s role in the Buccaneers’ running game could expand significantly due to White’s groin injury. Here’s what we know.

•  Injury Impact: Rachaad White suffered a groin injury during the preseason opener against the Titans, leading to his early exit. The severity of the injury is still uncertain, and White’s potential recovery timeline will depend on further findings.
• Tucker’s Opportunity: With White potentially sidelined, Sean Tucker is positioned to take over as the team as the primary backup behind Bucky Irving. Tucker had 6 carries for 1 touchdown in the preseason opener.
• Past Performance: In 2024, Tucker accumulated 308 yards on 50 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. His notable performance came in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints, where he rushed for 136 yards and scored a touchdown.
• Potential Role: If White misses significant time, Tucker could play a more prominent role in the Buccaneers’ offense, potentially reshaping the depth chart.

The Buccaneers might also consider adding another running back to support Irving, White and Tucker, either through free agency or the NFL draft. Potential targets include.

• D’Onta Foreman: A physical runner with determination and versatility
• Zack Moss: A dynamic and elusive option with the ability to evade defenders

The reality here is Bucky Irving is the starter. Rachaad White should be RB2 if healthy. Sean Tucker, while dynamic and explosive doesn’t check every box needed to be RB2, yet. Now with the emergence of Owen Wright, the Buccaneers running back core is solid from top to bottom.