Open Nav
Show Navigation
Show Menu
FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

Bucky Irving Runs Even with Rachaad White

By Matt Schauf | Updated on Sun, 29 Sep 2024, 8:36 PM EDT
Mar'Keise Irving Headshot

Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles said after Week 3 that rookie RB Bucky Irving "has definitely earned more reps." Bucs coaches proved Sunday he meant it. Irving matched Rachaad White at 10 carries apiece. He also ran 20 pass routes to White's 24, drawing 2 targets to White's 3. Both RBs rushed for 49 yards. White's 2-35 receiving line easily beat Irving's 1 reception for 6 yards.

What They're Saying

Bowles earlier in the week, when asked if Irving would take over as starter: "We’re gonna need Bucky and Rachaad [White] all year. Bucky had some schemed runs that worked and Rachaad had some that didn’t. That doesn’t mean he’s playing better. That means we couldn’t get the ball opening when we had Rachaad back there. We’re gonna use them both all year. How they play and how much they play will change every game, so it’s gonna be no different."

2024 Fantasy Football Impact

The rushing split wasn't shocking given how the first three games went in that area. The rookie out-produced the incumbent each week.

It was more surprising to see Irving run so closely with White in the passing game. Through the first three games, White ran 65 routes to Irving's 22.

It's also worth noting, of course, that White matched Irving in rushing and beat him in receiving vs. the Eagles.

And if we took Bowles at his word that Irving had earned more reps, then we also need to trust him that the usage will vary by week.

The Week 4 usage and production for Irving -- which included a rushing TD -- were obviously a positive step. Just keep in mind that this remains a developing situation.

Matt Schauf Author Image
Matt Schauf, Editor
Matt has earned two Fantasy Pros accuracy awards for IDP rankings and won thousands of dollars as a player across best ball, dynasty, and high-stakes fantasy formats. He has been creating fantasy football content for more than 20 years, with work featured by Sporting News, Rotoworld, Athlon, Sirius XM, and others. He's been with Draft Sharks since 2011.
Video: What We Got Wrong

Video: What We Got Wrong

3:59pm EST 2/15/25

Matt and Jared recap some key misses from 2024 fantasy football drafts to figure out what we can learn for 2025 and beyond.

Read More »
What We Got Wrong in 2024

What We Got Wrong in 2024

6:19pm EST 2/14/25

What did we miss with Ladd McConkey ahead of his impactful rookie season? The answer to that and other misses will strengthen your 2025 drafting.

Read More »
NFL Target Leaders in 2024

NFL Target Leaders in 2024

3:23pm EST 2/13/25

Let's take a look at 2024's leaders in targets, target share, and targets per route ... and what we can learn as we start prepping for 2025 fantasy drafts.

Read More »
Get Instant Access to the Draft War Room & Much MoreWhy Wouldn't You Invest $36 To Win Your League?
Select Billing Option:
Semi-annually
Monthly
Save 60% by paying semi-annually!
Redraft Leagues, Unlimited
$6$16
Per month , billed semi-annually Question

IncludedUnlimited Live-Draft SyncQuestionQuestion
IncludedDraft War RoomQuestionQuestion
IncludedMock Draft TrainerQuestionQuestion
IncludedFree Agent FinderQuestionQuestion
IncludedSit-Start Team GuideQuestionQuestion
IncludedTrade NavigatorQuestionQuestion
Add Personalized Advice
$16$44
Per month , billed semi-annually Question

Get personalized advice all season:
  • Draft questions
  • Lineup decisions
  • Trade and Waiver Wire advice
  • Really, any fantasy football advice you need
Via email... straight from our fantasy analysts to you!
Compare Plans »