Bucky Irving

White was actually out-gained 53-38 by Sean Tucker on the ground, though he out-touched his backup 15-10. He also narrowly out-gained him on the whole 54-51. NextGenStats charted White as handling 71 percent of the Bucs' snaps to 33 percent for Tucker. In other words, decent enough usage, but White continues to produce "poor man's Travis Etienne" box scores in Bucky Irving's never-ending absence. With Irving seemingly not particularly close to playing this week, we would have to assume it's another week of lead back duties for White against the Bills next Sunday. That likely shootout environment will keep him RB2 relevant.

Tucker "added" a -2 yard reception. Tucker out-gained Rachaad White on the ground for the second consecutive week, though White narrowly got him in the yards from scrimmage department. White also handled 71 percent of the Bucs' snaps to just 33 for Tucker. 24-year-old Tucker has taken on a greater "real life" role as the Bucs wait out Bucky Irving's endless absence, but he is not coming particularly close to translating it to priority FLEX value. Even if Irving remains sidelined for next week's potential Bills shootout, we will likely rank Tucker outside the top 36 backs.

White is slated to lead the Buccaneers backfield Sunday against the Patriots with Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) again ruled out for that contest, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

The Buccaneers will not have several key players for Sunday s game against the Patriots.

The Buccaneers will not have several key players for Sunday s game against the Patriots.