The Bucs are going through a dynamic shift in the running back room with newcomer Bucky Irving, the team’s fourth-round pick, in line to be Rachaad White’s backup this year. Last year’s No. 2 back, veteran Chase Edmonds, has missed every training camp practice since opening day when he suffered an undisclosed injury. He’s in jeopardy of not making the team as a result.

With White and Irving looking to form a one-two punch in the running game, what about Bucs reserve running back Sean Tucker? The former Syracuse running back is entering his second year in the NFL and hardly saw any action last year after winning the No. 2 job in the preseason, but sliding down the depth chart after Week 2.

Sean Tucker Aiming For An Even Better 2024 Preseason

Bucs RB Sean Tucker – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Last year, Sean Tucker was viewed as a diamond in the rough after he signed as an undrafted free agent out of Syracuse. Tucker was unable to practice during his first offseason in Tampa Bay due to a heart condition that caused red flags during the draft process.

Though he had some nice moments in the 2023 preseason, he didn’t fully pick up the offense during the regular season and was hesitant through the hole in limited action in Weeks 1 and 2. Even after Ke’Shawn Vaughn was released during the year, which opened up an opportunity for Tucker to get more playing time, Tampa Bay elected to rely heavily on Rachaad White while having Chase Edmonds as the primary backup.

In the offseason, it was evident from comments made by Bucs general manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles at the NFL Scouting Combine that Tucker would need to step it up if he was going to make this team, whether it was on the active roster or even the practice squad.

Coming into this training camp, Tucker was the fourth running back on the depth chart that included a couple more undrafted free agents in Ramon Jefferson, who played for Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen at Kentucky, and D.J. Williams, who played at Arizona. After a quiet first week of camp, Tucker has really come on and has run with speed and authority ever since.

Where Sean Tucker Has Improved In Bucs Training Camp So Far

While there has been more competition for Sean Tucker in the Bucs running back room this year, as fate would have it, Chase Edmonds only practiced the first day of training camp and has been out ever since. Given more opportunities to make a splash, Tucker has seen his arrow pointing up as training camp has rolled along.

Bucs RB Sean Tucker – Photo by: USA Today

Bucky Irving has gotten a majority of the reps, but Tucker has stood out when given his opportunities. After having an average training camp for the first couple of days, something got into Tucker that saw him become more explosive and really utilize his speed. He’s had several 20+ yard runs during training camp, which has been more than any other running back on the Bucs.

Tucker’s vision has improved and he is accelerating through the hole instead of thinking about what he has to do. He’s become a more instinctive runner and that is allowing him to play faster and better.

“He’s done a better job of getting downfield,” head coach Todd Bowles said. “He understands the offense now, he understands where his blocks are and he’s setting them up pretty [well]. He’s a very good one-cut runner. He has a lot more confidence this year and he’s showing it in camp.”

Of course if Tucker is going to make the roster he’ll have to get better in the passing game as a receiver and a blocker. He’s taken those steps already, catching a touchdown pass down the right sideline in a recent practice and overall looking more comfortable as a receiver.

Preseason games matter more for some rather than others. This preseason will be a huge showcase for Tucker, who could elevate his chances of making the team given Edmonds’ injury history. However, if he were to struggle, and understanding Liam Coen’s familiarity with Ramon Jefferson in the room, the Bucs may decide to keep another runner at RB3 or RB4 on the depth chart – depending on whether or not Edmonds makes the team.

The Bucs’ preseason opener at Cincinnati against the Bengals on Saturday night will give the team a glimpse as to whether Sean Tucker has truly improved or if he’s just a flash in the pan during training camp practices.