The Bucs received even more good news regarding a player’s health today. After learning that star outside linebacker Shaq Barrett will not start training camp on the PUP list, undrafted free agent rookie running back Sean Tucker has posted to his social media accounts that he similarly has been cleared to play.

#PL44SED pic.twitter.com/ZycX1N466L

— Sean Tucker (@seantucker2020) July 25, 2023

Sean Tucker Could Prove To Be A Steal For Bucs

Bucs RB Sean Tucker – Photo by: USA Today

Tucker had a productive career at Syracuse, accumulating over 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns over three years. He had a draftable grade by many draftniks as he entered the 2023 NFL Draft. But Tucker ended up undrafted after a heart condition caused many teams to drop him off their board altogether.  The Bucs pounced shortly after the draft and lured Tucker to Tampa Bay in part due to a running back room that is in flux and offers a clearer path to playing time for the rookie than others.

Now that Tucker has been cleared to start training camp off the PUP list the expectations for the young runner will be even higher with some predicting he could supplant Ke’Shawn Vaughn on the Bucs final 53-man roster. The competition for that roster spot will be fierce as Bucs offensive coordinator has been effusive in his praise for both Vaughn and Tucker, as well as presumptive starter Rachaad White.

With what may be the biggest hurdle now behind him, Tucker can start to concentrate on making a name for himself rather than just eliciting comparisons to perhaps the best running back in the NFL currently. Tucker brings a bell-cow mentality to a running back competition that currently lacks a proven starter.

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

Here is what Pewter Report’s Adam Slivon had to say about Tucker when he recently profiled the rookie running back this summer. Folks around the Bucs headquarters have been calling Tucker “Baby Nick Chubb.”

“The measurables are somewhat similar. Nick Chubb is heavier, listed at 5-foot-11, 227 pounds, while Tucker comes in at 5-foot-10, 210 pounds. The two running backs have similar styles, and they’ve both delivers major production in wide-zone run schemes.”

If Tucker can deliver on his considerable talent he may prove to be the steal of the Bucs 2023 NFL Draft despite having never been drafted at all.