An injury to Bucky Irving could have a major impact on the Buccaneers, and fantasy football, in Week 5. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Tampa Bay running back has suffered a foot sprain.
Irving has established himself as one of the NFL’s most dynamic rushers. Through four games this season, he’s picked up 430 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. If he were to miss time, plenty of fantasy managers would be in desperate need of a running back.
Should the Oregon alum sit out, who would be next in line on the Bucs? The answer would likely be Rachaad White. The former starter has enjoyed fantasy football success in the past. However, it remains to be seen how effective he’ll be on Sunday against a stout Seahawks run defense. Can managers trust Tampa Bay’s RB2 in Week 5?
Rachaad White fantasy football outlook
Safe to say, the chances of Irving suiting up this week are slim to none. A walking boot is bad news for any player, let alone one with ‘running’ in their job description. Part of what made the second-year pro so valuable was his control of Tampa Bay’s backfield. Through the first three weeks of the season, Irving commanded over 70% of the team’s snaps.
It’s easy to forget now, but Rachaad White was once a set-it and forget-it fantasy option. Entering 2024, plenty took the 26-year-old in hopes he’d serve as an every-week starter. Unfortunately, Irving’s dominance on the ground forced head coach Todd Bowles to start the then-rookie. It didn’t help that White was one of the NFL’s least efficient rushers. The fourth-year pro has averaged a mediocre 3.9 yards per carry throughout his career.
If there’s one area where White does offer major upside, it’s through the passing game. That’s especially true in PPR leagues, where he finished as the RB8 in 2023. The Arizona State alum hauled in 64 passes for 549 yards and three touchdowns that season.
Granted, Tampa Bay’s offense has evolved since then. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has more confidence throwing downfield than he did three years prior. Regardless, any top-ten offense will find a way to keep its starting running back involved. If that’s White, he should see a steady diet of carries and dump-off passes.
Is there any real competition for touches sans Irving? If anyone is going to make things interesting, it’s Sean Tucker. The Buccaneers’ third-string rusher hasn’t made much of an impact at the pro level. Still, the former Syracuse star has shown an ability to pick up tough yardage. Could Bowles opt for more of a 50/50 backfield split? If that did occur, Tucker would likely get an opportunity on third-and-short and goal line situations.
Bottom line, it’s difficult to fear a career backup that saw zero carries in Week 4. White offers a perfect mix of experience and fantasy-friendly skillset. Even if he doesn’t see the same level of work as Irving, he should be comfortably projected for double-digit points.
