Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Todd Bowles: Sean Tucker Needs the Ball More

Third-year RB Sean Tucker had an impressive performance in Saturday night’s preseason win over the Titans, and Head Coach Todd Bowles says Tucker has shown he deserves more action in the Bucs’ backfield

Aug 10, 2025 at 11:43 AM

Scott Smith

Senior Writer/Editor

Four of the eighteen NFC Offensive Player of the Week awards during the 2024 season went to members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Quarterback Baker Mayfield won it twice in the last month of the season as he led the Buccaneers on their annual demolition derby down the stretch. Bucky Irving, the top rookie running back in the NFL, also snared one in Week 13. Given how big of an impact they had on Tampa Bay's fourth-ranked offense, it was no surprise that Mayfield and Irving took home some individual hardware.

The fourth such award won by a Buccaneer in 2024 went to second-year running back Sean Tucker in Week Six. In a 51-27 thrashing of the Saints in New Orleans, Tucker ran 14 times for 136 yards and a touchdown and added three catches for 56 yards and another score. This honor wasn't nearly as predictable, given that Tucker didn't have more than nine touches in any other game in 2024, and in the five games leading up to that Superdome explosion he had a total of three touches.

The reason for this, of course, is that the Buccaneers also had Irving and Rachaad White in their backfield, and that was one of only two running back duos in the NFL to each surpass 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 2024. There are only so many footballs, as they say, to go around.

As the Bucs head into 2025, they still have the Irving-White backfield tandem to power their rushing attack. However, Head Coach Todd Bowles thinks their might be room for a third head on that monster. The latest evidence was Tucker's hard-charging 50-yard performance in the Bucs' preseason-opening 29-7 win over the Tennessee Titans on Saturday night.

"Sean brings us another explosive runner," said Bowles. "He's a game-breaker for us. He's got very good contact balance, he can break a lot of tackles, and he can naturally find holes. He's very fast, but he looks so smooth doing it that you can't really tell until he gets out in the open field, and then he's tough to bring down. He has great vision, and every opportunity he's gotten, he's shown. Like I keep telling the guys on offense, we've got to give him the ball more."

1 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

2 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

3 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

4 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

5 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

6 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

7 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

8 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

9 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

10 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

11 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

12 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

13 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

14 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

15 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

16 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

17 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

18 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

19 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

20 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

21 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

22 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

23 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

24 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

25 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

26 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

27 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

28 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

29 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

30 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

31 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

32 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

33 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

34 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

35 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

36 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

37 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

38 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

39 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

40 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

41 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

42 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

43 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

44 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

45 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

46 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

47 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

48 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

49 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

50 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

51 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

52 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

53 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

54 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

55 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

56 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

57 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

58 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

59 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

60 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

61 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

62 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

63 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

64 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

65 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

66 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

67 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

68 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

69 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

70 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

71 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

72 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

73 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

74 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

75 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

76 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

77 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

78 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

79 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

80 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

81 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

82 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

83 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

84 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

85 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

86 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

87 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

88 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

89 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

90 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

91 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

92 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

93 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

94 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

95 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

96 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

97 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

98 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

99 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

100 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

101 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

102 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

103 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

104 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

105 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

106 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

107 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

108 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

109 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

110 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

111 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

112 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

113 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

114 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

115 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

116 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

117 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

118 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

119 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

120 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

121 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

122 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

123 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

124 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

125 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

126 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

127 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

128 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

129 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

130 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

131 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

132 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

133 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

134 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

135 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

136 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

137 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

138 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

139 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

140 / 140

Titans vs. Bucs

Advertising

This Ad will close in 3

Indeed, the Buccaneers' longest run of the night was Tucker's 23-yard burst that was the key play in the team's only touchdown drive of the first half. It was a play that fits into Bowles' description of Tucker's unexpected speed, as the former Syracuse star took a handoff designed to go between the tackles and smoothly bounced it outside, getting around the entire right side of the defense to find the sideline and get the ball down to the Titans' 11. A few minutes later, on a third-and-goal carry from the two, Tucker powered it up the gut for the score.

As much as Tucker and the running game delivered when needed in the first half, Bowles was more impressed by how that part of the offense continued to succeed in the second half when it was clear to everyone in the stadium that the Bucs were going to keep it on the ground. With Irving getting the night off and White leaving the contest early with a groin injury, Tucker and recent acquisition Owen Wright continued to get all the work in the late stages of the game.

"I was especially pleased in the second half when they know you're going to run it and you can still run it," said Bowles. That says a lot about those guys grinding in there. We ran it a little bit in the first half, but when they know you're going to run the ball and you can still run the ball, that's a sign of toughness."

White's groin injury, while not thought to be serious, could keep him out of the lineup for a little bit. Rookie running back Josh Williams, who impressed early in training camp, has also been out for a spell with a hamstring strain. Bowles mentioned the possibility of bringing another running back into training camp to help share the load, but it seems likely that Tucker and Wright – the latter of whom had 87 rushing yards and a touchdown on Saturday night – will continue to see plenty of action in weeks ahead. As Bowles sees it, Tucker should also get his share of opportunities when the regular season arrives.

Latest Headlines

Takeaways from Buccaneers-Titans | Preseason Opener

Top observations from the Buccaneers' 29-7 victory over the Titans in the preseason opener at Raymond James Stadium

Todd Bowles: Sean Tucker Needs the Ball More

Third-year RB Sean Tucker had an impressive performance in Saturday night's preseason win over the Titans, and Head Coach Todd Bowles says Tucker has shown he deserves more action in the Bucs' backfield

Titans vs. Bucs Full Game Highlights | Tampa Bay Wins 29-7

View the best plays from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' game against the Tennessee Titans in Preseason Week 1 of the 2025 NFL Season.

Todd Bowles Talks Key Players in Win, Forcing Turnovers | Press Conference

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles spoke to the media the day after the Bucs' 29-7 win against the Tennessee Titans in Preseason Week 1 of the 2025 NFL Season. HC Bowles discussed player updates, the impactful play from the LBs and RB Sean Tucker being a 'game-breaker'.

Bucs Sharp Early, Run Over Titans in Preseason Blowout

The Buccaneers opened their 2025 preseason with a 29-7 win over the Titans, riding a strong performance by QB Kyle Trask, a bruising rushing attack and three second-half interceptions

Rapid Reaction: Buccaneers 29, Titans 7

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Titans 29-7 in Preseason Week One

Kyle Trask: Ready to Make Plays with the Lights On

Fifth-year QB Kyle Trask was ready when the live action began on Saturday night in a preseason-opening win over Tennessee, as he continues to control what he can control

Todd Bowles on Preseason Win vs. Titans: 'Good Start' | Press Conference

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles spoke to the media after the Bucs' 29-7 win against the Tennessee Titans in Preseason Week 1 of the 2025 NFL Season. HC Bowles discussed QB Kyle Trask taking care of business, the success of the running game and the defense forcing three takeaways.

Kyle Trask on His Performance vs. Tennessee: 'Felt Great' | Press Conference

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback Kyle Trask spoke to the media after the Bucs' 29-7 win against the Tennessee Titans in Preseason Week 1 of the 2025 NFL Season. QB Trask discussed the offense's successes vs. the Titans, being able to connect with WR Emeka Egbuka and trying to be his best everyday.

Best Photos From Titans vs. Bucs | Preseason Week 1 2025

View the best photos of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2025 preseason Week 1 matchup vs. the Tennessee Titans

Emeka Egbuka Hauls in First Career Catch | Titans vs. Bucs Highlights

WR Emeka Egbuka reels in a 21-yard pass from QB Kyle Trask against the Tennessee Titans in Preseason Week 1 of the 2025 NFL Season.

5 Notes Against the Titans | Preseason Week One

In the Buccaneers 29-7 victory over the Titans at Raymond James Stadium in the Preseason opener , five notes stood out for the home team

Roman Parodie Gets Pick 6 on 4th Down | Titans vs. Bucs Highlights

CB Roman Parodie scores an interception return touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in Preseason Week 1 of the 2025-26 NFL season.

Owen Wright Rushes for 15-Yard TD | Titans vs. Bucs Highlights

RB Owen Wright scores a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in Preseason Week 1 of the 2025-26 NFL season.

Tyrek Funderburk Pulls in INT | Titans vs. Bucs Highlights

CB Tyrek Funderburk gets an interception against the Tennessee Titans in Preseason Week 1 of the 2025-26 NFL season.

Emeka Egbuka & Jacob Parrish on Victory vs. TEN | Press Conferences

Hear from Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Jacob Parrish & WR Emeka Egbuka as they speak to the media following the Bucs' 29-7 win against the Tennessee Titans in Preseason Week 1 of the 2025 NFL Season.

Nick Jackson Pulls Down One-Handed INT | Titans vs. Bucs Highlights

LB Nick Jackson intercepts QB Brandon Allen against the Tennessee Titans in Preseason Week 1 of the 2025-26 NFL season.

Sean Tucker Scores TD on Third Down | Titans vs. Bucs Highlights

Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Sean Tucker rushes for 2 yards to score a touchdown in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans in Preseason Week 1 of the 2025-26 NFL season.

Sean Tucker Runs 23 Yards to the Doorstep of the End Zone | Titans vs. Bucs Highlights

Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Sean Tucker bounces it outside and runs for 23 yards against the Tennessee Titans in Preseason Week 1 of the 2025 NFL Season.

Jalen McMillan High Points in 25-Yard Pass From Kyle Trask | Titans vs. Bucs Highlights

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Jalen McMillan gets the first quarter started with an impressive 25-yard catch against the Tennessee Titans in Preseason Week 1 of the 2025 NFL Season.