The NFL preseason is underway with the regular season right around the corner. As fantasy football managers gear up for the heart of fantasy draft season, it’s important to stay informed on the latest injury news.
Running back Rachaad White hurt his groin in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ first preseason game. What is his current status and outlook for the start of the season? How will this affect the fantasy stock of Tampa’s other rushers?
Rachaad White Injury Update
White’s preseason debut against the Titans was cut short. Midway through the first quarter, White ripped off a 12-yard run, only to come up limping and clutching his groin as he headed toward the sideline. Trainers rushed to check on him, and after a brief attempt to stay in, White quickly hit the turf in pain before heading to the blue medical tent.
The Buccaneers’ communication team promptly announced he would not return for the rest of the game. White finished his night with six carries for 28 yards, and the swift decision to rule him out signals the team’s intent to keep safety top priority, especially with the regular season still weeks away.
Head coach Todd Bowles spoke after the game, emphasizing a cautious approach. He told the media, “He does have a groin [injury]. We’re going to run some tests today, and I’ll be able to provide more information tomorrow.” Bowles added that White’s status for Week 1 remains unclear until medical results come in.
Bucs announce Rachaad White is out the rest of the game with a groin injury.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 9, 2025
Groin strains notoriously linger for running backs, threatening speed and agility if not fully healed. The team appears unlikely to rush White through rehab, opting instead to monitor progress throughout practice and preseason. With Bucky Irving and other starters sitting out, White’s injury has already stirred debate about preseason workload decisions in Tampa.
On Monday, we got good news on the Bucs’ satellite back. His injury is not serious.
Bowles says Rachaad White is just day to day recovering from his groin injury.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 11, 2025
It is unfathomable that an injury described as “day-to-day” on August 11 has any chance of sidelining a player into the regular season.
Rachaad White Fantasy Outlook
White was slated to work as the primary passing-down back and rotational weapon behind Irving. This groin issue now introduces more volatility into his fantasy stock.
If White misses only a week or two, which seems likely, fantasy managers won’t need to panic. However, no one should be drafting him anyway. An extended absence could limit White’s early-season opportunities and let Irving further distance himself from the lesser-talented backup. But that does not seem to be the case.
Irving, already projected as the clear lead runner, did not suit up Saturday, reinforcing his role as the team’s preferred option. If White is sidelined, Irving will see extra carries, red-zone work, and target volume, making his status as a top 12 running back even more secure.
RELATED: Rachaad White Injury Update: Buccaneers’ Backfield Loses Key Contributor in Preseason Opener
Sean Tucker’s fantasy relevance also grows in White’s absence. Tucker rushed for 50 yards on 13 carries after White departed and found the end zone on a short touchdown run. If White’s groin injury results in missed games, Tucker could see consistent touches as the primary backup, and his upside as a late-round sleeper or handcuff option is now very real.
Tampa Bay’s backfield hierarchy remains Irving first, White as the top receiving change-up, and Tucker waiting for opportunity.
If White’s rehab stretches into September, fantasy managers should prioritize Irving as a startable back in all leagues and consider grabbing Tucker for depth or as a contingency. Even after White returns, watch closely for any setbacks, as groin injuries can be notoriously fickle.
The coming week’s practice updates and test results will be crucial for determining draft strategy and early waiver moves.
