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Buccaneers Sign Undrafted 1,000-Yard RB Barika Kpeenu
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- Buccaneers Sign Undrafted 1,000-Yard RB Barika Kpeenu
(Samantha Laurey/Argus Leader)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are adding a sixth running back to their training camp roster, signing Barika Kpeenu, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman .
The signing comes two days after the 24-16 victory over the New York Jets , and could have been in response to rookie Kadarius Calloway's early struggles.
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Calloway had 13 yards on eight carries and muffed a kickoff return, which he brought back for 10 yards. His teammate, Josh Williams, rushed for 27 yards and a touchdown.
Auman argued that the next logical move is to cut the 24-year-old, but no other moves have been announced.
Kpeenu is fresh off a career season for the North Dakota State Bison. He rushed for 1,005 yards and 20 touchdowns. His scores were the fourth-most in the FCS and the most an NDSU rusher had since John Crockett (21) in 2014.
FCS Football Central and Phil Steele named him to Third Team FCS All-America. The Bison's leading rusher earned All-Missouri Valley Football Conference First Team honors, too.
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The 5-foot-10 running back burst through open gaps with his speed and has quick change of direction to shake defenders. North Dakota State ran zone concepts that catered to those strengths.
Tampa Bay already has depth at running back. Bucky Irving , Kenneth Gainwell and Sean Tucker are the three who will likely receive most of the snaps next season.
Irving has made a surprising, healthy return to the offseason. He is aiming to reclaim the 1,000-yard glory he achieved in 2024 and lost last season due to injuries.
Gainwell and Tucker will likely serve as rotational players to diversify the Buccaneers' attack. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is running a scheme that involves every player on the field.
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Williams is entering his second season. He appeared in three games last year, playing 13% of his snaps on special teams.
Kpeenu, Williams and Calloway -- if still rostered -- will compete for the fourth running back spot on the depth chart.
The North Dakota State alum arrives in time to get several practices under his belt. Auman reported Tampa Bay will have four practices from Monday to Thursday before next Saturday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs .
Coach Todd Bowles said he expects to play his starters in the preseason home opener, but is unsure how much he will play them.
Kpeenu could have an opportunity to show what made him a 1,000-yard rusher in his senior season, joining Ayden Garnes and Jack Pyburn -- two other undrafted rookies -- who have impressed in the preseason.
