Rachaad White Set for Expanded Role as Bucky Irving Ruled Out vs. Bills

Rachaad White is expected to maintain an expanded role in Sunday's game against the Bills, as his teammate Bucky Irving has been ruled out due to foot and shoulder injuries. Irving has been sidelined since Week 4, which has opened up opportunities for White. In the previous five games Irving missed, White averaged 16.4 touches. Sean Tucker has been serving as the secondary option in the Buccaneers' backfield over the last two games. Both healthy running backs are anticipated to have a favorable matchup against a Bills defense that is allowing 5.4 yards per carry to the position. Irving, signed to a four-year, $4.75 million contract in May 2024, has been dealing with significant injuries, missing multiple games. Despite his productivity at Minnesota and Oregon, concerns about his NFL viability stem from disappointing combine numbers, including a 4.55 40-yard dash at 192 pounds. He is unlikely to challenge White for the starting role but could carve out a change-of-pace role.