The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ backfield has undergone a significant transformation, leaving former starter Rachaad White in an uncertain position heading into the 2025 season.
The veteran running back, who once commanded substantial touches in the Buccaneers’ offense, now finds himself relegated to a secondary role behind emerging star Bucky Irving — with Sean Tucker also expected to play a role in the rushing attack.
White’s recent groin strain during the preseason opener has only added to concerns about his fantasy relevance this year. What’s the latest on White’s status for Week 1, and should fantasy managers trust him entering the 2025 season?
What Is Rachaad White’s Injury?
White suffered a groin strain in the preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans and remains day-to-day. However, he returned to practice this week and he’s expected to be ready for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons.
With that said, White does not have a fantasy-relevant role even if he’s healthy. Irving is the clear RB1, and if he were to miss time, Tucker is the handcuff you want. Do not draft White under any circumstances.
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Fantasy managers who remember White’s productive campaigns may be tempted to draft him based on name recognition and past performance, but the landscape in Tampa Bay has shifted dramatically. Irving has established himself as the clear lead back, while Tucker looms as a potential threat to White’s remaining touches in the passing game.
White is still a reliable pass-catcher and pass-blocker, but his lack of explosive playmaking ability makes him expendable in an increasingly crowded backfield. For fantasy purposes, White has become a cautionary tale of how quickly NFL situations can change, transforming from a fantasy starter to a player best avoided in all draft formats.
Cameron Sheath’s Fantasy Outlook for White
While Jason Katz wants nothing to do with White, PFSN’s Cameron Sheath sees him as an interesting handcuff, as he’s less concerned about Tucker:
“White may have lost his starting role to Bucky Irving, but he remains a high-value backup in fantasy. The 2022 third-round pick has been golden in PPR leagues, finishing as the RB4 overall in 2023, before recording an RB22 finish last season despite competing with Irving.
“Irving will likely take a greater share of the workload this coming season, but White shouldn’t be counted out in a contract year. That being said, it’s unlikely he’ll see the necessary volume to be fantasy relevant while Irving is healthy.
Please stop calling Bill Croskey the next Bucky Irving, Rachaad White still had a job after training camp pic.twitter.com/BYE7AsGtKu
— Captain Locks (@LocksCaptain) August 21, 2025
“Before the team’s Week 11 bye last year, White was averaging 4.56 targets per game. After the bye, he averaged just 2.29 targets per game. If you exclude Week 15, when both Chris Godwin and Cade Otton were out with injuries, that number drops even further to 1.33 per game.
“White is a worthwhile buy-low in dynasty, but his 2025 value will depend on touchdowns and Irving’s health. His RB46 ADP is fair enough, given his likely role, but there might not be a handcuff in the league with a higher PPR ceiling when on the field.”
