Todd Bowles hints at changes coming to Buccaneers' crowded backfield

Mason Riney, Buccaneers WireTue, October 6, 2026 at 7:05 PM UTC

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Sean Tucker finally got an opportunity in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' backfield Sunday. Three offensive snaps were enough for Todd Bowles to acknowledge that the Bucs need to reconsider how they're dividing the work between Tucker, Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell.

Tucker carried the ball on all three of his offensive snaps during Tampa Bay's 17-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He was stopped for no gain on third-and-1 in the second quarter, but the Bucs went right back to him on fourth down and Tucker picked up eight yards to keep the drive alive.

Two plays later, Tucker scored on a two-yard run to tie the game at 7-7. He didn't receive another offensive snap and finished with three carries for 10 yards and a touchdown.

Bowles was asked Monday about finding more opportunities for Tucker after his limited but productive appearance against Green Bay.

“I mean, he's tough,” Bowles said. “He needs to earn a few reps. I mean, we've got to find a way to split the three backs kind of…it doesn't have to be equally, but, you know, a hot hand should be able to ride a little bit longer – the same thing we discussed.”

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Irving remains Tampa Bay's lead back and played 37 of the offense's 63 snaps against Green Bay. He led the Bucs with 16 carries for 61 yards, while Gainwell played 27 offensive snaps and received three carries.

Through four games, Irving has 56 carries for 241 yards and a touchdown. He has played 159 offensive snaps, compared to 108 for Gainwell. Tucker had played just one offensive snap this season before getting three against Green Bay.

Tucker has already shown he can produce when given a larger role. He finished last season with 86 carries for 320 yards and seven rushing touchdowns, while adding eight receptions for 34 yards and another score.

Bowles stopped short of saying the Buccaneers will use an equal three-man committee. His comments instead point toward Tucker getting more opportunities and Tampa Bay allowing whichever back is producing to remain on the field longer.

Tucker's three snaps against Green Bay gave the Bucs something to consider before Thursday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys. His first meaningful offensive workload of the season produced an eight-yard fourth-down conversion and Tampa Bay's first touchdown of the game.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Todd Bowles hints at changes coming to Buccaneers' crowded backfield

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Source: “AOL Sports”