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Is there a RB3 battle brewing between Sean Tucker and Josh Williams?
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- Is there a RB3 battle brewing between Sean Tucker and Josh Williams?
Is there a RB3 battle brewing between Sean Tucker and Josh Williams?
Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell have the top two spots in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ' running back room, but the competition behind them may be more interesting than expected. Sean Tucker has been viewed as the favorite for the RB3 job entering the preseason, but Saturday night's game against the Kansas City Chiefs provided a reason to wonder if Josh Williams is making this a legitimate competition.
Williams getting into the game before Tucker was noteworthy. Tampa Bay gave the younger back an opportunity to run with the offense before turning to Tucker, who ultimately played deep into the second half. That doesn't necessarily mean the Buccaneers have already changed their plans at running back, but it does suggest they wanted to get a closer look at Williams against stronger competition. Williams didn't put up eye-popping numbers, finishing with two carries for nine yards and two receptions for 24 yards. His opportunities were limited, but his involvement as a receiver is something that could work in his favor as Tampa Bay evaluates its final running back spot.
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Tucker eventually received his opportunity and finished with five carries for 23 yards. More importantly, he scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 1-yard run in the fourth quarter, giving Tampa Bay the lead it would ultimately hold onto in the 16-15 victory. Tucker still has the advantage in terms of experience and familiarity with Tampa Bay's offense. He has also shown he can contribute when his number is called, making him the more established option right now. Special teams, pass protection and versatility could therefore become just as important as rushing production when Tampa Bay makes its final decision. Williams may have earned himself more opportunities in the final preseason game, and if he takes advantage of them, what once looked like a straightforward decision could become one of Tampa Bay's more interesting roster battles.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Is there a RB3 battle brewing between Sean Tucker and Josh Williams?
