In football, a slant route is built on timing and precision. The receiver does not waste motion – he breaks sharply across the field into open space before the defense can react. It is simple in design, but separation is created through execution.

That same approach defines my weekly Saturday Bucs column, Slivon’s Slant.

Each week from now until training camp, I will take a look inside a different Bucs position group. The goal is to cut through the surface to find the clearest path in evaluating this roster as it takes shape. Then, once the season begins, the column will continue offering different angles for breaking down and discussing the team. Last week, this column debuted by looking at the quarterback position.

Now, it is on to the running backs.

Inside The Bucs Running Back Room

Fan Favorite: Bucky Irving

With the Bucs offense looking to regain its 2024 form this season, few players are as crucial to the unit’s success as running back Bucky Irving. The 2024 fourth-round pick burst onto the scene as a rookie, eliciting “Bucky, Bucky, Bucky” chants at Raymond James Stadium. Irving started the year as a change-of-pace back behind Rachaad White, but the switch flipped when he started to get the bulk of the carries. His shiftiness and elusiveness made him a difficult player to wrap up, contributing to his 207 carries for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns, along with 47 catches for 392 yards out of the backfield.

Bucs RB Bucky Irving – Photo by: IMAGN Images

After struggling to have success on the ground for several seasons, Tampa Bay seemed to have finally found an answer. Then 2025 happened. It was a year of regression for many players on the team, especially on the offensive side of the football.

Foot and shoulder injuries limited Irving to just 10 games, and he never fully recaptured the explosiveness and magic from the year prior. He was not at full health, and running behind a makeshift interior offensive line did not do him any favors, either. If there was one silver lining looking back, it is that he made strides as a pass-catcher with 30 catches for 277 yards and three touchdowns.

With White gone and offseason signing Kenneth Gainwell taking his place, Irving has a backfield partner who will not be frustrated about his role and complements him well. Based on Zac Robinson’s offensive vision, one can expect more of a 1A-1B running back split in 2026.

During his press conference earlier this week, Robinson pointed to the Rams having success with Kyren Williams and Blake Corum as a blueprint for having two backs with similar skillsets while also stressing ball distribution. Between a healthier Irving, a healthier offensive line, and more creative weekly gameplans, it is not hard to see the rushing attack return to being one of the better ones across the league.

Versatile Veteran: Kenneth Gainwell

The Bucs spent much of the offseason revamping the defense, but on offense, Kenneth Gainwell has the chance to be the most impactful outside addition. Gainwell, who signed a two-year, $14 million deal, was a coveted complementary running back on the open market after what he did with the Steelers. It was a career year for the 27-year-old in 2025, as he had career highs in terms of usage with 114 carries for 537 yards along with five touchdowns. With 73 catches, he more than doubled his previous best and had 486 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver.

Put that together, and Gainwell was a critical element of the offense and brings those same abilities to Tampa Bay.

Bucs RB Kenneth Gainwell – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

With the emphasis Zac Robinson put on harnessing Bijan Robinson’s receiving ability in Atlanta, the duo of Bucky Irving and Gainwell will be tasked with opening up games in a similar way. How the two are utilized remains to be seen and could be a fluid situation, as each has early down value. One should not underestimate Gainwell’s value and workload, as the veteran played exactly half of Pittsburgh’s offensive snaps last season. He is more than just a backup back; there is real playmaking ability whenever he touches the football.

Gainwell has less tread on his tires compared to other 27-year-old running backs and is one of the most durable players at the position. Even though he stands 5-foot-9 and 200 pounds, he is more than capable of holding his own as a pass protector and doing whatever is asked of him. Regardless of being the second back on the depth chart, fans should expect him to carve out a productive role that contributes to winning football.

Dynamic Depth: Sean Tucker

There is a Sean Tucker sighting once a year where fans (and local media) begin to raise questions about why he is not more involved in the Bucs’ offense. In short spurts, Tucker has looked every part of a dynamic running back who could split duties and get a substantial workload. That has yet to come to pass for a prolonged period, but every season in Tampa Bay has resulted in more playing time.

When thinking about his rushing prowess, the first thought that comes to mind is No. 44 running wild in New Orleans in 2024 and putting on an encore in Buffalo in 2025. When it comes to what lies ahead in 2026, his role is more defined on paper.

Bucs RB Sean Tucker – Photo by: IMAGN Images

Neither Irving nor Gainwell profiles as a true short-yardage hammer near the goal line. That is where Tucker could see the most opportunities, even though he experienced mixed results in short-yardage situations last season. Still, he had seven rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown in 2025. Zac Robinson has the challenge of finding ways to get him involved outside of that niche, especially as his size and speed always make him a play away from opening up a game.

With a trio of talented backs, it is hard to argue against the potential the position group has. For it to live up to its full potential, unlocking Tucker would be a welcome boost for the offense.

Practice Squad Piece: Josh Williams

Josh Williams is projected to be the fourth running back on the depth chart, but it is worth going over what he offers. Williams was on his way to getting more of an opportunity last season before serving a six-game suspension for violating the performance-enhancing substance policy. That is far from the way he wanted his rookie year to go, but he is on track to fight for a practice squad spot.

Listed at 5-foot-9 and 210 pounds, he has the size to be a physical runner with 4.45 speed to quickly accelerate and find open space. That was seen a bit during the 2025 preseason when given carries out of the backfield, but he could be most valuable to the team as a kick returner.

Bucs RB Josh Williams – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

He averaged 36 yards per return on three attempts in the preseason finale, then averaged 25.8 yards per return on five attempts during the regular season. Given the emphasis on special teams heading into the year, it could be a sneaky path for Williams to stake his claim for a 53-man roster spot. As far as RB4 options go, the Bucs could do much worse should injuries pop up, although it is unlikely for him to earn anything more than a cameo appearance barring anything drastic.

Closing Slant

The success of the Bucs’ running back room in 2026 will say a lot about what this offense is capable of. Much of that hinges on Bucky Irving, as a similar season to his rookie year would provide the balance and playmaking ability that was sorely lacking in 2025. I would argue the best version of Irving is not as a workhorse, but someone who can split carries 60/40 with another back. Bringing in Kenneth Gainwell allows for that kind of workload to maximize efficiency and keep both of them fresh.

It is a departure from the traditional thunder-and-lightning structure many teams prefer, but that is where Sean Tucker can be worked in sparingly to provide a different style. Having that much talent leaves little margin for error, especially if the offensive line remains healthy.

The challenge for Zac Robinson will not be finding talent – it will be finding enough touches to keep all three backs involved without disrupting rhythm. The vision has been outlined. Now it just has to become a consistent formula for Tampa Bay to sustain drives, control games, and make the offense harder to defend.