The Tampa Bay Buccaneers settled their third running back spot on Sunday by keeping Sean Tucker and moving on from Josh Williams.
Tucker earned a one-year extension with the team, a deal worth $2.5 million guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The move came as the Buccaneers worked through their final roster decisions, with Tucker and the rookie Williams locked in a close fight for the last RB job.
“That’s a tough battle. It kind of went back and forth every game,” Bowles said on Saturday.
“Both of them can run the ball. Both of them return kicks, obviously.
Both of them try to tackle on kickoff and punt team. … That’ll be a tough call because they’re both good football players.”
Tucker gave Tampa Bay plenty to like last season. The Syracuse product ran for 320 yards and scored seven touchdowns, and he made the most of extra work when Bucky Irving was out, reaching the end zone in three straight games to close the year.
He’s the kind of runner who brings a little thump to the backfield, getting downhill and leaning on power to break tackles. And when the Buccaneers have fed him the ball, Tucker has flashed big-play ability. Over the past two seasons, he’s turned in a few eye-catching outings, including a three-touchdown game against the Buffalo Bills.
In that one, Tucker piled up 106 yards on 19 carries, added two catches for 34 yards, and scored once through the air. His 43-yard touchdown in the second quarter put Tampa Bay ahead 17-14, though the Bills still went on to score 44 points in the game.
Tucker also had a huge day two seasons ago against the New Orleans Saints, when he posted a career-best 136 rushing yards and a career-high 56 receiving yards. The 5-foot-10 back scored twice in that game, once on the ground and once as a receiver, and his 36-yard catch-and-run gave Tampa Bay the lead after it had trailed 20-17.
With Tucker back in the fold, the Buccaneers keep a dependable third option who can also handle goal-line work.
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