Todd Bowles comments on Bucs' suspended rookie and reveals his plan to replace him

Todd Bowles was asked for his thoughts on his suspension after Tampa Bay's practice on Wednesday, and he provided his plan to replace Williams on the depth chart.

Todd Bowles says Owen Wright will replace suspended running back Josh Williams

"It's unfortunate," Bowles said. "You know, a lot of these guys have trainers, and probably don't know what they're taking or anything else like that. I don't know what he did or didn't, and I know the kid, and he's a good young man. He's a very honest young man and forthright. I wish him the best. Obviously, the next man up will be Owen [Wright]. Owen will probably come up, and then we'll go from there and keep it moving."

Williams played for LSU from 2019-2024 and was signed by the Bucs back in May as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft. He made the 53-man roster as the team's fourth running back and has appeared in three games this season (Seattle, New Orleans, and New England). He has totaled 11 rushing yards on 4 carries, all against the Saints.

Wright was with the Baltimore Ravens from 2023-24, where he appeared in one game. He joined the Bucs during training camp in 2025 but was among the cuts to get down to 53 players in August. He joined the team's practice squad in October and was activated for Tampa Bay's game against San Francisco.

Bucky Irving back at practice

Fortunately for Tampa Bay, their depth issues could get put on the back burner if their top running back can make a return soon. Irving was spotted at practice on Wednesday by the media in attendance. Although it was a walkthrough, it's a step forward and progress as he works to get back into the fold for a Bucs offense that needs an element of explosion.

Bowles said that the Bucs won't be in full pads this week, so Irving won't be subjected to any full contact hits on the practice field on his injured shoulder. However, that's obviously something he's going to have to be able to handle without issue before he's cleared to return.

For the time being, it looks like it'll be Rachaad White, Sean Tucker, and Wright to lead the backfield on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.