Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White suffered a groin injury during the first quarter of the team’s preseason game against the Tennessee Titans and did not return to the field. This early exit occurred in the club‘s first preseason matchup, leaving questions about his immediate availability.

White carried the ball six times, gaining 28 yards, before exiting the game. Starting alongside quarterback Kyle Trask, White received an opportunity to lead the backfield as many starters were rested during the matchup. After his injury, Sean Tucker stepped in as the running back for the Buccaneers.

White’s Performance and Contract Status

As a former third-round draft pick out of Arizona State, White is entering the final year of his rookie contract. In the 2024 season, he finished with 613 rushing yards and three touchdowns, achieving a career-best average of 4.3 yards per carry. Additionally, White contributed 51 receptions for 393 yards and six touchdowns, marking his second consecutive season surpassing 1,000 scrimmage yards.

Context Within Buccaneers’ Running Back Ranks

The Buccaneers’ top rusher last season was rookie Bucky Irving, who posted an impressive 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Irving’s 5.4 yards per rush was the highest for a rookie surpassing 1,000 rushing yards since Adrian Peterson in 2007, and his total of 1,514 scrimmage yards led all rookies during the season.

Implications of White’s Injury for the Team

White’s groin injury could impact Tampa Bay’s depth and strategy in the backfield as they prepare for the regular season. With the preseason in its early stages, the team will likely monitor his recovery closely while considering other running backs like Sean Tucker to fill the void. The injury underscores the importance of depth among the Buccaneers’ running backs as they seek to maintain offensive consistency.