general
Buccaneers at Bengals: Open Thread for the 2026 Season Opener
Tampa Bay Buccaneers inactives for the 2026 season opener against the Bengals
Josh Williams
RB · TB · 25 yrs · exp 1 · LSU
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News
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RB · TB
RB · TB
analyst
Sean Tucker Officially Inactive Against Bengals
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker (hamstring), who was listed as doubtful on Friday, is officially inactive for the Week 1 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, according to Scott Smith of the team's official website. Tucker was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday after a DNP on Wednesday, but it was not enough to gain clearance to suit up for the season opener. The 24-year-old was close to being cut from the initial 53-man roster this year in a salary-cap-saving move, but he ultimately worked out a new deal with the Bucs to remain as the RB3 behind Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell. The former undrafted free agent from Syracuse has had some moments in his first three NFL seasons and had a career-high seven rushing touchdowns in 2025, but he also averaged just 3.7 yards per carry in 17 games. As long as both Irving and Gainwell are healthy, Tucker will remain on the waiver wire in most fantasy football leagues. With Tucker out on Sunday, Josh Williams will operate as Tampa's RB3
general
Buccaneers set initial 53-man roster
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have set their initial 53-man roster, with rookie Jalon Daniels taking the backup quarterback job behind Baker Mayfield
analyst
Sean Tucker Not Projected to Make 53-Man Roster
Josh Queipo of Pewter Report does not project Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker to make the final 53-man roster out of training camp. The Bucs initially opted not to tender him as a restricted free agent in the offseason, but they eventually signed him to a $3.52 million deal for 2026. Even though none of the salary would be guaranteed, it's a high price tag for a player with 151 carries, 651 yards (4.3 yards per carry), and nine touchdowns in his three seasons in the league. Tampa could feel that they are covered between Josh Williams at RB and Kam Johnson as a kick returner behind Bucky Irving and newcomer Kenny Gainwell. Ultimately, the Buccaneers could opt to go cheaper to fill the RB3 role in order to save money for a roster spot elsewhere to begin the 2026 season. Tucker had a career-high 86 carries for 320 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 games last year, with Irving missing time due to multiple injuries. He has shown flashes of upside in Tampa, but he is firmly on the roster bubble. It is good news for Irving's overall fantasy upside this year
analyst
Sean Tucker on the Roster Bubble?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker has had some fantasy football bursts in the past when given an opportunity, but now he may not be assured of a roster spot. The fourth-year running back out of Syracuse is battling with Josh Williams for the third spot on the running back depth chart behind Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell. Williams made a strong impression with eight carries for 27 yards and a touchdown in the first preseason game against the Jets, and he played ahead of Tucker in the second preseason game. Tucker did make an impact with 23 yards on five carries and the game-winning touchdown once he entered, but both running backs continued to look strong. Williams is a much cheaper option, which could give him the advantage if the Bucs only keep three running backs on the roster. Tucker and Williams have both shown enough to get a chance somewhere this season, and the Bucs could possibly still keep both on the roster. If not, where they land would dictate their potential fantasy value. The Bucs' backfield will remain one of the top roster battles to watch through the rest of the preseason
RB · TB
RB · TB
analyst
Sean Tucker a Potential Salary-Cap Casualty
Tucker may be cut or re‑signed at lower cost, affecting his RB3/4 role
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