Second-year running back Owen Wright is moving up from the practice squad as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers deal with the absences of Bucky Irving and Josh Williams in their backfield. Wright was signed to the active roster on Friday, filling a spot opened earlier in the week when Williams was placed on the reserve/suspended list.
Wright first joined the Buccaneers near the start of training camp but was subsequently released in the final roster cuts at the end of August. He returned to the team on October 7, signing to the practice squad, and was then elevated for game day against the San Francisco 49ers in Week Six and the Detroit Lions in Week Seven. He played one snap on offense and eight on special teams in those two contests but did not have a run or target. During the preseason, he played in all three games and rushed 26 times for a team-leading 100 yards and a touchdown and added four receptions for 12 yards. He also returned one kickoff for 25 yards.
Wright, who split his college career between Monmouth and William & Mary, originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Ravens in 2023. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad and then landed on injured reserve for all of 2024.
Irving was ruled out for the sixth straight game on Friday's injury report, though he did return to practice in a limited fashion this week. Wright will join Rachaad White and Sean Tucker to give the Bucs' three active running backs on Sunday when they play the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium.
