Bucs running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn did not show up for practice on Wednesday as the team continued its preparation for the 2023 season opener at Minnesota against the Vikings. Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles said that Vaughn isn’t injured and that he missed practice due to “personal reasons.”

“We’ll see tomorrow,” Bowles said. “He’s healthy and he has personal reasons and we’ll deal with it tomorrow and see where he’s at.”

Bowles was asked on the record if Vaughn’s absence on Wednesday was excused. It was not, according to the head coach.

Ke’Shawn Vaughn Likely Upset At His Spot On Bucs Depth Chart

Bucs RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

Ke’Shawn Vaughn is likely upset with his position on the Bucs’ depth chart at running back where he is listed as the No. 4 running back behind starter Rachaad White, rookie backup Sean Tucker and third-string runner Chase Edmonds, a newcomer via free agency.

Vaughn, who is entering a contract year, began training camp as the team’s No. 2 back but struggled mightily in the preseason. He finished the preseason with just 22 yards on 17 carries.

A third-round pick in 2021, Vaughn hasn’t shown much in terms of production in his first three seasons in Tampa Bay. Vaughn has rushed 79 times for 342 yards (4.3 avg.) with two touchdowns. He lacks great speed and burst, and that was apparent in camp compared to faster backs like White, Tucker and Edmonds.

Tucker’s rise up the depth chart coincides with a great preseason in which he led the team in rushing with 81 yards on the ground and also ripped off a team-best 26-yard dash against the Jets in the second preseason game. On Wednesday Bucs head coach Todd Bowles praised Tucker’s performance from training camp and the preseason.

“Just his work ethic – he’s a very talented guy,” Bowles said. “He earned it. We didn’t give it to him. You (the media) sat there and saw the same preseason that we saw. We go by production around here. Sean came back and he came into camp with a purpose. He practiced like that. He played in preseason like that. He’s continuing to play like that and he’s earned it.”