The return of running back Chase Edmonds didn’t exactly bring the impact that Bucs fans were hoping for. He ran the ball three times for five yards on 12% of the snaps. What it did, though, was keep Ke’Shawn Vaughn off the field as Vaughn made one rushing attempt for a single yard on a snap percentage of six. In fairness to Edmonds, all of his carries were when the Bucs were backed up inside their own end zone and were very frenetic. I’d be curious to see him get some of those attempts further down the field.

Bucs RB Chase Edmonds – Photo by: USA Today

Rachaad White not only took the majority of snaps at running back, but his 82% was the second-highest amount of snaps he’s gotten this season. That trails the Monday night game against the Eagles when White had a snap count of 91%.

The Bucs have found something with him as of late, maybe not necessarily in the run game, but as a receiver. He racked up a team-leading 70 yards and had 109 total scrimmage yards in the game.

Wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin played the exact amount of snaps at 85%, but Trey Palmer wasn’t far behind at 81%. That was the most percentage of snaps that Palmer has played in his young career, but what came of it?

Palmer made three catches for 15 yards and his biggest moment in the game was a holding penalty that took back a long run from White. It didn’t look like the best call from the referee, but Palmer’s been called for multiple penalties in recent weeks. The 16% of snaps for Deven Thompkins was also the fewest amount he’s had this season.

Fewer snaps also came about for tight ends Ko Kieft and Payne Durham. Kieft stuck to blocking as per usual while Durham had a costly drop down the middle of the field. Cade Otton was able to draw a pass interference penalty while recording 27 yards on four catches.

Bucs Defense

The Bucs were really missing Vita Vea on Thursday night, who wasn’t able to play because of a groin injury. Then there was a late groin injury to Logan Hall as well, which altered how much he could play in the game as well. Because of all of that, Greg Gaines played a season-high 70% of snaps, leading all interior defensive linemen. Calijah Kancey, who made no tackles in the game, was second at 59%.

Bucs OLB Anthony Nelson – Photo by: USA Today

Hall was able to tough out his injury and muster up enough time to play 26%, which was the same amount for veteran defensive lineman Will Gholston.

It was a memorable game for Gholston as he recorded his first career interception after a blitzing Antoine Winfield Jr. tipped a pass at the line of scrimmage. Mike Greene and Deadrin Senat got 14% and 13% respectively to help out the rotation with Vea unavailable.

There was a bit of a change at outside linebacker as well. After Joe Tryon-Shoyinka had led the unit the week before, Shaq Barrett was in first this time at 65% with JTS second at 57%. Anthony Nelson had one more percent of snaps than YaYa Diaby, and it was those two outside linebackers that came up with sacks on a night where the defensive front did not generate much pressure. Cam Gill made a brief cameo as well.

Nickel corner Christian Izien saw his playing numbers rocket up again, going from 35% last week to 91% on Thursday night. Zyon McCollum did not get a defensive snap at all. Clearly, the playing time of these two players will differ on a weekly basis depending on their opponent’s scheme and the best matchup for all involved.