The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a long break to reflect and learn from their nail-biting Thursday night loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5. The alternative to adjusting their focus and cleaning up their mistakes could be a another crushing divisional defeat this Sunday afternoon. Beyond preparation, the Bucs could use a little luck the injury report. However, that might not happen when it comes to the running back room.
Rachaad White continues to be hampered by a foot problem. After participating in limited practice on Wednesday, the 2022 third-round pick was waived during Thursday’s session. He is now at serious risk of missing the team’s Week 6 clash with the New Orleans Saints.
White first suffered the injury against the Falcons, but it was thought a 10-day reprieve from NFL action might give him enough time to heal. Although this could still be the case, downgrades at the end of the week often portend bad news. He continued to struggle as a ball carrier in the first few weeks of the season, but was very effective against Atlanta and the Philadelphia Eagles. The former Arizona State star also adds value as a pass catcher, allowing Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers offense to create favorable third-down situations.
Head coach Todd Bowles might have someone he can trust to carry the load in the backfield, though.
Buccaneers may need to rely more on their rookie
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Despite a costly fumble that prevented the Bucs from finishing off the Falcons in Week 5, rookie Bucky Irving is proving to be an impactful back. He is averaging 5.6 yards per carry with one touchdown through the first five games of his NFL career. His workload could be due for a big increase in the Crescent City if White stays on this current trajectory.
Tampa Bay still has a few days before being forced to adjust its game plan. Either way, expect Irving and the Buccaneers (3-2) to look to redeem themselves from last Thursday’s mistake when they take on the Saints (2-3).
Alex House is a sports reporter who covers the NFL, NBA and MLB for ClutchPoints, providing a unique writing voice with his in-depth knowledge of New York sports. Alex resides in Connecticut after graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in journalism.
