The Bucs are going by way of a dynamic shift within the operating again room with newcomer Bucky Irving, the crew’s fourth-round decide, in line to be Rachaad White’s backup this yr. Final yr’s No. 2 again, veteran Chase Edmonds, has missed each coaching camp follow since opening day when he suffered an undisclosed harm. He’s in jeopardy of not making the crew because of this.
With White and Irving seeking to kind a one-two punch within the operating recreation, what about Bucs reserve operating again Sean Tucker? The previous Syracuse operating again is coming into his second yr within the NFL and hardly noticed any motion final yr after successful the No. 2 job within the preseason, however sliding down the depth chart after Week 2.
Sean Tucker Aiming For An Even Higher 2024 Preseason
Bucs RB Sean Tucker – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Final yr, Sean Tucker was considered as a diamond within the tough after he signed as an undrafted free agent out of Syracuse. Tucker was unable to follow throughout his first offseason in Tampa Bay as a consequence of a coronary heart situation that prompted purple flags throughout the draft course of.
Although he had some good moments within the 2023 preseason, he didn’t absolutely decide up the offense throughout the common season and was hesitant by way of the outlet in restricted motion in Weeks 1 and a couple of. Even after Ke’Shawn Vaughn was launched throughout the yr, which opened up a possibility for Tucker to get extra enjoying time, Tampa Bay elected to rely closely on Rachaad White whereas having Chase Edmonds as the first backup.
Within the offseason, it was evident from feedback made by Bucs normal supervisor Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles on the NFL Scouting Mix that Tucker would wish to step it up if he was going to make this crew, whether or not it was on the energetic roster and even the follow squad.
Coming into this coaching camp, Tucker was the fourth operating again on the depth chart that included a pair extra undrafted free brokers in Ramon Jefferson, who performed for Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen at Kentucky, and D.J. Williams, who performed at Arizona. After a quiet first week of camp, Tucker has actually come on and has run with velocity and authority ever since.
The place Sean Tucker Has Improved In Bucs Coaching Camp So Far
Whereas there was extra competitors for Sean Tucker within the Bucs operating again room this yr, as destiny would have it, Chase Edmonds solely practiced the primary day of coaching camp and has been out ever since. Given extra alternatives to make a splash, Tucker has seen his arrow pointing up as coaching camp has rolled alongside.
Bucs RB Sean Tucker – Photograph by: USA In the present day
Bucky Irving has gotten a majority of the reps, however Tucker has stood out when given his alternatives. After having a median coaching camp for the primary couple of days, one thing received into Tucker that noticed him develop into extra explosive and actually make the most of his velocity. He’s had a number of 20+ yard runs throughout coaching camp, which has been greater than another operating again on the Bucs.
Tucker’s imaginative and prescient has improved and he’s accelerating by way of the outlet as a substitute of interested by what he has to do. He’s develop into a extra instinctive runner and that’s permitting him to play quicker and higher.
“He’s performed a greater job of getting downfield,” head coach Todd Bowles stated. “He understands the offense now, he understands the place his blocks are and he’s setting them up fairly [well]. He’s an excellent one-cut runner. He has much more confidence this yr and he’s displaying it in camp.”
After all if Tucker goes to make the roster he’ll should get higher within the passing recreation as a receiver and a blocker. He’s taken these steps already, catching a landing move down the best sideline in a latest follow and total wanting extra comfy as a receiver.
Preseason video games matter extra for some relatively than others. This preseason will probably be an enormous showcase for Tucker, who might elevate his possibilities of making the crew given Edmonds’ harm historical past. Nevertheless, if he have been to battle, and understanding Liam Coen’s familiarity with Ramon Jefferson within the room, the Bucs could resolve to maintain one other runner at RB3 or RB4 on the depth chart – relying on whether or not or not Edmonds makes the crew.
The Bucs’ preseason opener at Cincinnati towards the Bengals on Saturday evening will give the crew a glimpse as as to if Sean Tucker has actually improved or if he’s only a flash within the pan throughout coaching camp practices.
