The Bucs made a move to bolster their run game ahead of the NFL trade deadline on October 31st. The team designated running back Chase Edmonds to return from injured reserve. Edmonds has been working back from a sprained MCL he suffered Week 2 against the Chicago Bears.

The Buccaneers have designated RB Chase Edmonds for return from injured reserve. He could be activated at any point during the 21-day window.

— Brianna Dix (@briannadixNFL) October 23, 2023

Can Edmonds Help The Bucs’ Running Game?

Bucs RB Chase Edmonds – Photo by: USA Today

Edmonds had four carries for 20 yards (5.0) which makes him the most successful back on Tampa Bay’s roster this season on a rate basis. This would be a welcome addition to a running back room that has the worst rushing expected points added per play at -0.27.

He is easily the most accomplished running back on the Bucs roster with 1,816 rushing yards, 1,078 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. The rest of the Bucs backfield has combined for 1,688 total yards and seven touchdowns in their careers. And while it isn’t the only thing wrong with the Bucs run game, improved RB play would help some.

This transaction means that Tampa Bay has 21 days to activate Edmonds to the active 53-man roster or else he goes back on injured reserve for the remainder of the season with no chance to return.

The Bucs could make Edmonds active as soon as Thursday for the team’s Thursday Night Football matchup against the Buffalo Bills, but they will most likely hold off on that move. What’s more likely is the team aims to have Edmonds back on the field for their week nine game against the Texans on November 5th.