The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading into the 2025 season with a lot of excitement, but one of the biggest storylines this preseason has been the health of running back Rachaad White. Fans held their breath when White left the team’s first preseason game with a groin injury, and the immediate question was simple: how long would he be out?
How Serious Is Rachaad White’s Groin Injury?
The injury happened early in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans. On what looked like a routine 12-yard run, White pulled up and walked off the field, ending his night after six carries for 28 yards.
Tampa Bay had jumped out to a 3-0 lead, but the bigger concern was whether the injury would linger into the regular season. Since groin issues can be tricky, the team wasted no time shutting him down for the rest of the game.
Thankfully, the news that followed was far more encouraging. Head coach Todd Bowles told reporters the injury was not serious, describing White as “day-to-day.”
Further testing confirmed that, showing no major damage. White returned to practice this week, a clear sign that he is on track to suit up when the Bucs open the season against the Atlanta Falcons.
Good sign.
Bucs RB Rachaad White (groin) moving pretty good at practice. pic.twitter.com/4L42YgdROt— rock riley (@realrockriley) August 20, 2025
Of course, the timing of the injury came right as running back Bucky Irving was making a name for himself. Irving’s breakout performance has been one of the highlights of camp, and it has led to plenty of speculation about how the Buccaneers might divide the workload.
Some even wondered if White could become trade bait down the line. For now, though, the team has no plans to move him.
What Can White Bring to the Buccaneers in 2025?
White’s 2024 season showed exactly why he is still valuable to Tampa Bay. He put together the best rushing efficiency of his young career, averaging 4.3 yards per carry with 613 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
He also reminded everyone why he is one of the better pass-catching backs in the league, pulling down 51 receptions for 393 yards and six touchdowns. Even as Irving started to see more opportunities, White was still trusted with the most snaps, delivering in protection and the passing game.
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Heading into 2025, the plan is for Irving to handle the bulk of the rushing work, with White slotting in as the No. 2 back. But that does not mean he will fade into the background. Coaches view him as the Bucs’ best pass-blocker out of the backfield, and he is expected to be more explosive this year after slimming down in the offseason.
The good news for Bucs fans is that White’s injury scare appears to be behind him. He will not play in Tampa Bay’s upcoming preseason game against the Buffalo Bills as the team rests its starters, but all signs point to him being fully ready for Week 1.
