Buccaneers RBs Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker split backfield work with Rachaad White out vs. the Saints in Week 6. They ran all over New Orleans for 217 yards and two TDs on 28 carries (7.8 YPC). They carried 14 times apiece, with Tucker out-gaining Irving 136 to 81. Tucker also had the better receiving line: 3-56-1 to 2-24-0. Irving got the start, but Tucker mixed in early and often. It was clear from the start that the Bucs were not going to lean on Irving in a feature role. And Tucker certainly earned his touches with a strong performance.
Per FantasyLife's Dwain McFarland, Irving out-snapped Tucker 70% to 32% before the final garbage-time drive of the game. Carries were 48% to 28% in favor of Irving during that span.
The rookie will remain the superior fantasy play if White misses more time, but he'll be more of a mid-range RB2 than the borderline RB1 we thought we were getting.
Tucker will project for enough work to be worth considering as a RB3 or Flex play. He's worth adding this week in fantasy leagues of 12+ teams.
Note, though, that the Buccaneers get a Ravens defense in Week 7 that entered this week ranked sixth in adjusted fantasy points allowed to RBs.
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