RB · TB · 27 yrs · exp 5 · Memphis
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Latest: Jul 24, 2026 · 2,966
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This article ranks the top 10 running back duos in the NFL for the 2026 season, considering individual stardom, balanced backfields, and recent production against projections. It also includes honorable mentions and discusses specific player pairings and their potential impact
Preview of the Eagles' Week 10 game against the Steelers, noting key additions like HC Mike McCarthy, CB Jamel Dean, RB Rico Dowdle, and WR Michael Pittman, and subtractions like HC Mike Tomlin, G Isaac Seumalo, and RB Kenneth Gainwell. The article references last season's energy with Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin
by Ari Koslow | Buccaneers Correspondent | Tue, Jul 21st 2:04pm EDT Bucky Irving said he expects to be "good to go" for training camp. ( Mark Skol Jr. on Twitter ) Fantasy Impact: Irving made the statement at his annual youth football camp. He has been limited to start the offseason program working his way back from offseason shoulder surgery after he played through a shoulder injury last season. The Bucs backfield will be a situation to monitor in training camp following their free agency addition of Kenneth Gainwell. #Bucs running back Bucky Irving hosted his annual youth football camp over at Blake High School this morning. He tells me he will be good to go for training camp! You’ll hear from him later today on FOX 13. pic.twitter.com/cmtdkc5I4U Category: Injury Updates | More Bucky Irving : News , Rankings , Projections , Stats
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker has rarely seen anything close to a featured role through his first three seasons in the league, but when entrusted with an expanded workload, he has tended to deliver. With Buccaneers starter Bucky Irving missing seven games in 2025 with foot and shoulder injuries, Tucker split time with Rachaad White, carving out a larger role along the way. From Weeks 8 through 12, he led the team with 52 carries for 243 yards and three touchdowns, but with Irving's eventual return in Week 13, Tucker averaged fewer than four carries per game the rest of the way. Heading into 2026, a healthier Irving is expected to head the Buccaneers' backfield once more, while free agent acquisition Kenneth Gainwell was brought in as a direct replacement for White after leading the Steelers with 73 catches in 2025. Again relegated to third-string duties, Tucker maintains some value as a dynasty stash, having proven capable of delivering fantasy-relevant performances in a pinch, but as RotoBaller's RB51, he is unlikely to factor into 2026 drafts
Pittsburgh Steelers selected Navy running back/wide receiver Eli Heidenreich 230th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Heidenreich revealed he had agreed to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent before being drafted by the Steelers. Heidenreich, who played multiple positions in college, could see a role on special teams and offense for the Steelers
When given an opportunity to see the field, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker has flashed upside. The 24-year-old recorded 354 scrimmage yards on 94 touches and led Tampa Bay running backs with eight touchdowns in 2025. However, Tucker enters 2026 as the Buccaneers RB3 behind Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell. As long as at least one of Irving and/or Gainwell is healthy, Tucker is likely blocked off from consistently fantasy-relevant production in Tampa Bay. Still, he will be an unrestricted free agent following the 2026 season, so the Bucs may be incentivized to move him to a team in need of backfield help at some point this year. Between that possibility and Tucker's existing handcuff appeal, he could be worth stashing for deeper-league dynasty managers who are building for the future
General Manager Jason Licht stated that running back Bucky Irving is nearing full health from a shoulder injury and would be ready to play if the Buccaneers had a game in the coming weeks. Licht clarified that the team considers training camp to be "fall" and that Irving is progressing well. Irving missed significant time last season, during which the Bucs' rushing attack suffered
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) was seen working out at organized team activities on Thursday. Irving is being worked back in slowly this offseason after having shoulder surgery, but he looked good on Thursday while catching passes at OTAs while doing other work as well. Although he might not be a full-go for the start of training camp at the end of next month, all signs point to the 23-year-old back being ready at some point this summer and for the start of the 2026 regular season in early September. The former fourth-rounder in 2024 out of the University of Oregon impressed with a 1,000-yard season and eight touchdowns on 207 carries while adding 47 receptions for 392 yards as a pass-catcher in 17 games as a rookie, but he played in only 10 games in 2025 due to injury and finished with 588 rushing yards and one touchdown for the Bucs. Irving's fantasy stock has fallen a bit going into his third year in the league because of durability concerns as he learns a new offense. Newcomer Kenneth Gainwell is also likely to steal valuable pass-catching reps from him. He still has clear RB2 upside if he can stay healthy, but Irving has fallen to No. 26 in RotoBaller's RB rankings for the 2026 season
Kaleb Johnson's roster spot is uncertain due to the additions of Rico Dowdle, Travis Homer, and Eli Heidenreich
NFL analyst Genaro Filice identified Steelers rookie WR Germie Bernard as one of 12 rookies who must succeed immediately, citing Aaron Rodgers' checkdown-reliant playing style and Bernard's run-after-catch ability as potential fits. However, the article notes that additions of veteran WRs Michael Pittman Jr. and DK Metcalf, a potential shift to a more downfield passing attack under new coach Mike McCarthy, and Rodgers' history with rookie pass-catchers could temper expectations for Bernard's immediate impact
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenneth Gainwell is coming off a breakout season in 2025, as he recorded 1,023 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns on 187 touches across 17 games as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tampa Bay rewarded Gainwell for his efforts, signing him to a two-year contract in free agency to form a backfield tandem with Bucky Irving (shoulder). Much of Gainwell's production in Pittsburgh came as a receiver out of the backfield, as he hauled in 73 receptions for 486 yards and three touchdowns on 85 targets. While Gainwell should still be involved in the passing game with the Buccaneers, he'll no longer have the benefit of playing with Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers targeted running backs at an extremely high rate in 2025, allowing Gainwell to rack up PPR fantasy points with consistency. Additionally, a bounce-back season from Irving could lead to a reduced role for Gainwell. Irving battled through injuries and inconsistency in 2025, but he flashed high-end upside as a rookie in 2024, averaging 5.4 yards per carry and collecting over 1,500 yards from scrimmage. In dynasty formats, managers may want to explore selling high on Gainwell after his career year
The Pittsburgh Steelers are the only team in the NFL with two running backs who topped 1,000 scrimmage yards in 2025. Jaylen Warren finished last season with 1,291 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns. After letting 2025 team MVP Kenneth Gainwell walk in free agency and seeing him land with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers , Pittsburgh reunited head coach Mike McCarthy with Rico Dowdle, who is coming off his second consecutive 1,000-yard season and had 1,373 total yards with seven total touchdowns. Combining their talents gives Pittsburgh one of the more dangerous duos in the NFL, something that Dowdle is very excited to be part of. “[We’re] thunder and lightning,” Dowdle said via Chris Adamski . “You got two guys who have been productive in this league. It’s always good to have two guys that can go out there and get the job done at a high level.” Dowdle signed a two-year deal with the Steelers worth $12.25 million in March and joins an offense that also added Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard to go along with Warren, DK Metcalf , Pat Freiermuth , and Darnell Washington as a unit that hopes to take a leap forward in 2026. Let us know what you think in the comments . Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more! Steelers LB Patrick Queen responds to trade rumors, contract talk Ben Roethlisberger has serious doubts about Drew Allar Steelers QB coach raves about Will Howard’s performance in OTAs Steelers have big plans for Jalen Ramsey Former Steelers WR reveals why he left Pittsburgh
Despite an injury-marred 2025 season and the addition of Kenneth Gainwell, Bucky Irving is expected to be ready for training camp and open as the Buccaneers' RB1, though his injury history and Gainwell's presence add risk to his fantasy upside
Aaron Rodgers is indeed coming back for a 22nd season in the NFL . The future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback will return to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year contract, according to CBS Sports Lead NFL Insider Jonathan Jones . The deal includes $22 million guaranteed and is worth up to $25 million, per NFL Media . Rodgers is expected to participate when the team kicks off its organized team activities (OTAs) on Monday. The Steelers, who recently placed the rare right of first refusal tender on Rodgers, were optimistic he would eventually join them, despite it taking him until May to formally decide. Rodgers, 42, signed a one-year deal with the Steelers last season following a tumultuous two years with the Jets . During his first season in Pittsburgh, Rodgers proved he is still capable of playing at a high level. He went 10-7 as Pittsburgh's starting quarterback (including the postseason) while helping the Steelers win their first division title since 2020. This Steelers team is vastly different. For starters, there's a new coach in town: Mike McCarthy, who won a Super Bowl with Rodgers in 2010. McCarthy replaces Mike Tomlin, who stepped down one day after Pittsburgh's season-ending loss to the Texans in the AFC wild card round. Pittsburgh also underwent some notable roster turnover. Gone is team MVP Kenneth Gainwell (and a Rodgers favorite) after the veteran running back signed with the Buccaneers in free agency. The Steelers replaced him with Rico Dowdle , who just compiled his second-straight 1,000-yard rushing season. The Steelers acquired former Colts receiver Michael Pittman and rookie second-round pick Germie Bernard , who was Alabama's leading receiver each of the past two seasons. Both players should make life infinitely easier for Rodgers and DK Metcalf in the quest to limit double teams in pass coverage. During the draft, the Steelers added another quarterback into the mix when they selected former Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round. Pittsburgh's quarterback room, for now, also consists of 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard and veteran Mason Rudolph . Despite Pittsburgh's lack of weaponry at receiver last season (a weakness further magnified by Metcalf's two-game suspension), Rodgers played well enough to help the Steelers go 10-7 during the regular season. He opened the season with a four-touchdown performance while leading Pittsburgh to a win over his former team, the Jets. Rodgers ended the regular season by throwing the game-winning touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III against the Ravens that ultimately sealed a division title and playoff spot for Pittsburgh. Rodgers' lowlights last year included a Week 13 loss to the Bills , during which he sustained at least three fractures in his non-throwing (left) wrist. Despite the injury, Rodgers missed just one game. The injury appeared to make Rodgers even more wary of getting hit, leading to quicker passes and questions about his reluctance to let Myles Garrett break the single-season sack record at his expense during Pittsburgh's Week 17 loss in Cleveland. Rodgers passed former teammate Brett Favre for fourth all-time in touchdown passes. Rodgers is just 13 touchdown passes away from passing Peyton Manning for third on the all-time list. He is fifth all-time with 66,274 passing yards, which is 5,564 yards behind Favre, who is fourth all-time. Rodgers won four MVP awards from 2011-21 while cementing his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time. He has yet to get back to a Super Bowl, however, which is the biggest blemish in an otherwise remarkable career. In 2026, Rodgers will try to climb the mountaintop once again
SeatGeek is the official NFL Ticketing Partner of the New York Post. We may receive revenue from this partnership for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Featured pricing is subject to change. You probably remember how the 2025 season ended for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers . After an impressive 6-2 start, Baker Mayfield ’s club finished the year 8-9 following a rough and tumble 2-7 stretch to close the campaign and barely miss the postseason even though they still beat their NFC South rival and eventual playoff team Carolina Panthers in Week 18. Midway through the painful collapse, head coach Todd Bowles told the team “It’s inexcusable…it was in-f—ing-excusable, and there’s no f—ing answer for it. No excuse for it. That’s what you tell them in the locker room. Look in the f—ing mirror.” Tough words and hopefully the last time Bowles will have to utter them. Now that the 2026 NFL schedule has officially dropped, we know who the Bucs will face (and when) this year on their road to redemption. Notable opponents set to visit them at their home Raymond James Stadium come fall include Kyler Murray ’s Minnesota Vikings (Sept. 27), Jordan Love ’s Green Bay Packers (Oct. 4), T.J. Watt ’s Pittsburgh Steelers (Oct. 18), Justin Herbert ’s Los Angeles Chargers (Dec. 6) and Matthew Stafford ’s Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Jan. 3 in the last home game of the season. They’ll also go head-to-head with Bryce Young ’s Carolina Panthers on Monday, Nov. 30 in what should surely be a tense rematch after their down-to-the-wire season finale. And, even though they’ve had a rough offseason — Mike Evans bolted and Lavonte David retired — general manager Jason Licht has stayed busy to make sure Bowles has the best team possible to put on the field this year. Notable signings include linebacker Alex Anzalone , tight end Cade Otten, running back Kenneth Gainwell , defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson and linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad . They join No. 15 pick Rueben Bain Jr. and No. 46 Josiah Trotter as well as returning standouts like play-caller Mayfield, safety Antoine Winfield Jr. , offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs , wideout Chris Godwin Jr. and defensive tackle Vita Vea. All that’s missing now is you . If you want to walk the plank and see the Buccaneers attempt to win their third NFC South title in four years in person, tickets are available for all nine 2026 home games at Tampa Bay ’s Raymond James Stadium as of today on SeatGeek. Not familiar with SeatGeek? SeatGeek is a verified secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand. They offer a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and your tickets will be delivered prior to the event. For those who prefer to pick and choose which home games make the most sense to attend, we’re here for you, too. Below, you’ll find a list of all upcoming Tampa Bay Buccaneers home games at Raymond James Stadium, including dates, start times and opponents. Tampa Bay Buccaneers home game dates Browns vs. Buccaneers Sunday, Sept. 20 at 1:00 p.m. Vikings vs. Buccaneers Sunday, Sept. 27 at 4:05 p.m. Packers vs. Buccaneers Sunday, Oct. 4 at 1:00 p.m. Steelers vs. Buccaneers Sunday, Oct. 18 at 1:00 p.m. Falcons vs. Buccaneers Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1:00 p.m. Panthers vs. Buccaneers Monday, Nov. 30 at 8:15 p.m. Chargers vs. Buccaneers Sunday, Dec. 6 at 1:00 p.m. Saints vs. Buccaneers Sunday, Dec. 20 1:00 p.m. Rams vs. Buccaneers Sunday, Jan. 3 at TBD If you think you might find yourself traveling with Mayfield and the Bucs this year, here’s where you can find them on the road once the 2026 season begins. Tampa Bay Buccaneers away game dates Buccaneers vs. Bengals Sunday, Sept. 13 at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH Buccaneers vs. Cowboys Thursday, Oct. 8 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX Buccaneers vs. Panthers Sunday, Oct. 25 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC Buccaneers vs. Bears Sunday, N [... truncated ...]
New Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said that running backs Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell "can match each other" in terms of their similar skill sets out of the backfield, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. The Bucs let Rachaad White walk in free agency this offseason, but they added Gainwell to their RB room after the 27-year-old broke out with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 with 114 carries for 537 yards and five touchdowns, adding 73 receptions (85 targets) for 486 yards and three more TDs as a pass-catcher in 17 regular-season games. Irving only played in 10 games in his second NFL season due to injuries, but the 23-year-old was efficient as a pass-catcher as well, recording 277 yards and three TDs on his 30 receptions. As long as he stays on the field, Irving is expected to be utilized as Tampa's lead back in 2026, with Gainwell serving in the third-down, pass-catching role. Both will be fantasy relevant, with Irving ranking as RotoBaller's No. 16 dynasty RB, and Gainwell checking in as the No. 45 RB. In PPR leagues, Gainwell will be much more expensive after ranking fifth among RBs in catches
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenneth Gainwell was one of the league's biggest surprises in 2025, with his career-high 73 receptions trailing only Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson, and Jahmyr Gibbs at the position. After keeping such elite company, he leveraged his receiving success into a two-year, $14 million deal with the Buccaneers, where he joins a team and a new offensive coordinator with prior histories of involving running backs in the passing game. Zac Robinson raised eyebrows when he initially stated his intent to deploy Bucky Irving similarly to the way he used Robinson in Atlanta, but the signing of Gainwell on the first day of free agency would suggest the bulk of the running back targets could go elsewhere. Last season, while Gainwell was nearly doubling his career receiving production in Pittsburgh, an injury-slowed Irving was splitting time with, and ceding much of the passing game work to, Rachaad White. While both backs bring versatility to what will be a new look Buccaneers offense in 2026, the safe bet will be for Gainwell to find most of his fantasy success as the dedicated passing back, as his 114 carries in 2025 also marked a career high, but were easily surpassed by Irving in only 10 games
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