The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Washington Commanders 37-20 on Sunday. However, one of the subplots created within the game hinted at a running back controversy. Rachaad White led the way, but Bucky Irving was more productive with his touches. Could White lose his touch on the starting job within the Buccaneers offense? Will we see the rookie dominating in more than just Week 1? Let’s break down what we saw in the debut game of the season.
White received 15 total carries for 31 yards and produced eight more receptions for 75 yards. White has always struggled with efficiency on the ground while making up for his lack of running skills in the passing game. For fantasy, we are okay with that as long as you get us the fantasy points. The issue is this is a real-world problem for the running back, as his team expects him to be better and provide value to their running game.
Irving understood the assignment, producing 62 rushing yards on only nine carries—6.9 yards per rush. He also had two receptions for 14 more yards. The offseason had quotes from head coach Todd Bowles that made us question the hierarchy  in the backfield, and this Week 1 game caused a full-blown controversy.
Should Bucky Irving Be Added to the Fantasy Waiver Wire in Week 2?
It’s time to use your waiver wire skills and acquire Irving for the rest of the season. We thought there would be a few more weeks before Irving became a force in the offense, but his skill has shined through. TruMedia put Irving’s 31-yard rush as the fourth-highest on the week.
Irving was also second in yards before contact per rush compared to White, who was 35th overall. This stat shows us that Irving has brought a higher level of vision to the Buccaneers’ running back room.
As exciting as it is to see a rookie make significant strides in Week 1, we should temper expectations if we do add Irving to our team. White still has a role within an offense with Baker Mayfield, who loves to check down. White ran the eighth most routes for a running back with 22. Irving was not utilized in that part of the offensive scheme as he only ran eight total routes, which was 50th in the NFL for running backs in Week 1.
If you add Irving, you are adding him in the hopes that he will build upon his Week 1 totals. We don’t expect him to take this backfield over right away, but we are playing the long game with him.
Irving should provide some statistical benefit in Week 2. He shouldn’t be played unless absolutely needed, almost like a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency bench player. Instead, we are hoping for another solid game and the coaching staff to believe that Irving needs to see more snap opportunities.
Let’s get ahead of the curve and grab a player with upside in a potent offense. Irving will continue to rise in our rankings with solid performances like Week 1.