Tucker punches in short TD vs. Packers

The Buccaneers are 0-3, so if trailing game scripts aren’t the ideal setup for a receiving specialist, we aren’t sure what is. Robinson said he would like to get Gainwell more involved, but also added that Gainwell has to earn those reps by being more productive. Robinson said he also wants to get RB3 Sean Tucker more involved during the same presser. It sounds like this backfield still belongs to starting RB Bucky Irving, who is dealing with a glute injury, but changes are at least being considered.

Robinson described Tucker as being “special with the ball in his hands,” and said that it’s on the coaching staff to find spots to mix him in. Whether this impacts starting RB Bucky Irving basically comes down to how and when — and if — the Buccaneers get Tucker involved. Taking a few snaps away from RB2 Kenneth Gainwell would be no big deal. Utilizing Tucker in the red zone would be consequential for Irving. Hopefully, Robinson provides more insight before his team’s Week 4 game against the Packers. Stay tuned.

Tucker was out last week with the hamstring issue. His return to the Tampa lineup could take a few touches away from Bucky Irving and/or Kenneth Gainwell. Last week against the Bengals, Irving out-carried Gainwell 8-5 and led the backfield with a 59 percent route share. Bucs declared CB Jacob Parrish, CB Ayden Garnes, DL Elijah Simmons, DL DeMonta Capehart, OL Billy Schrauth, and OL Luke Haggard inactive for Week 2.

The Buccaneers should have their RB3 on hand against the Browns this weekend, though Tucker is not expected to contribute in a fantasy-relevant manner. He is just a deep-league bench stash at this time.

Tucker’s expected absence is a nice little boost for Bucky Irving as he looks to shore up his RB2 value following a disastrous 2025. Kenneth Gainwell is unlikely to battle Iriving for goal-line handles. Seeing as Tucker received a “doubtful” tag for Week 1, he’s likely on the wrong side of questionable for Week 2, but his return will at least be a possibility.

In addition to McMillan, the Buccaneers are also listing RB Sean Tucker (hamstring) as doubtful, putting both players on the wrong side of being active for Week 1. McMillan was able to log a limited week of practice, so hopefully he’ll have a chance to suit up in Week 2 when the Buccaneers take on the Browns. Rookie WR Ted Hurst should make for an interesting dart throw in DFS as he looks to be in line for more work with McMillan sidelined.

The Buccaneers’ No. 3 running back is only a bench stash at this time, but he could take on a few touches if he is active against the Bengals this weekend. He should be considered questionable to play at this time.

Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said earlier this week that Tucker will be a game-time decision for Week 1 against the Bengals. His continued absence from practice is discouraging, but it bodes well for RB Bucky Irving and RB Kenneth Gainwell. Tucker is not expected to be a high-volume offensive contributor at this point, but adding even a couple of touches to each player’s workload is helpful

Bowles didn’t disclose what Tucker is dealing with because he doesn’t have to do that until Wednesday, when the team releases its first injury report. That said, it sounds like Tucker is facing an uphill battle to be ready for Week 1, and we know he was sidelined for Monday’s practice. His absence isn’t expected to have much of a fantasy impact, as Tucker is expected to serve as the third RB for the Bucs behind both Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell.

Egbuka was working with trainers last week, but was on the field with the team on Monday. The Buccaneers won’t release their first official injury report until Wednesday, but it sounds like Egbuka is trending in the right direction ahead of the Buccaneers’ Week 1 game against the Bengals. Egbuka has been dealing with this toe injury since mid-August, but it seems like the Bucs have slowly ramped him up as of late. His practice status will be one to monitor when the first injury report drops. In addition to Egbuka, WR Jalen McMillan and OT Justin Skule were also practicing, while RB Sean Tucker was not seen on the field.