The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are preparing to face the Cincinnati Bengals in their Week 1 matchup, but they may be without running back Sean Tucker, who is currently a game-time decision due to an undisclosed injury.
Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed during a media session that Tucker is still in the rehabilitation process. "He’s still rehabbing,” Bowles stated. “He’ll be a game-time decision right now.” Tucker, who scored eight touchdowns last season as the team's primary goal-line back, is expected to serve as the Buccaneers' RB3 this year.
If Tucker is unable to play, the Buccaneers might promote running back Josh Williams from the practice squad to fill the RB3 position. Williams competed with Tucker for the spot during the preseason and has shown potential during his time with the team.
Regardless of Tucker's status, running backs Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell are confirmed to be healthy and will rotate as the RB1 and RB2 for the game. Irving is returning from an injury-plagued 2025 season, while Gainwell joins the Buccaneers after a successful year with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
