Sean Tucker: UDFA turned RB2

Per Bucs reporter JC Allen, RB Sean Tucker will open the season as the backup to Rachaad White. This was the expectation based on recent practice reports. White remains an RB2 fantasy target, while Tucker slides in as a late-round handcuff.

Sports Illustrated's Ben Meyerson recently reported that Buccaneers rookie RB Sean Tucker was splitting first-team reps with teammate Rachaad White. Meyerson quickly clarifies it was only during one drive but that it's "definitely something to monitor." The UDFA from Syracuse likely would've been a solid pick in the 2023 NFL Draft had it not been for a rumored heart condition. We mention this because Tucker, despite not being drafted, is a very talented player in a backfield without much depth behind White, the presumed starter. In addition to his rushing acumen, Tucker has some appeal as a pass-catcher. He ranked sixth in receiving market share (15.8%) among all Power 5 conference RBs in 2022 and could provide enough value as the RB2 in Tampa Bay to warrant late-round consideration in deeper leagues. See where these Bucs backs appear in our current RB rankings.

Bucs rookie Sean Tucker is “a bit behind” the team’s other RBs in terms of learning the offense, per beat writer Scott Reynolds. Tucker missed the entire offseason program because of a heart issue, and for now, he appears no higher than fourth on the depth chart. Reynolds calls Ke’Shawn Vaughn the current No. 2 back behind Rachaad White, with Chase Edmonds “coming on strong" at camp.

Bucs RB Sean Tucker has been medically cleared for the start of training camp. A pre-draft physical revealed a heart issue that seemingly had Tucker's football future in jeopardy. "I always knew it was just a matter of time," Tucker said. "When it was right, I was already ready and didn't have to ramp anything up. I was keeping my body right and staying in good condition." We'll keep an eye on Tucker's health and standing in a relatively wide-open Bucs RB room.

RB Sean Tucker has signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. We heard earlier this week that Tucker was flagged for a heart issue, which has seemingly been confirmed by him going undrafted. We’ll keep an eye on that situation, but this is at least a decent landing spot with Tampa’s RB corps consisting of Rachaad White, Chase Edmonds, and Ke’Shawn Vaughn. For a guy standing 5’9, and 207 pounds, Tucker plays like a track runner and isn’t afraid to confront potential tacklers in tight running lanes. Tucker’s effectiveness is a bit of a mixed bag, but his sophomore season at Syracuse in 2021 showed fantasy managers what he’s capable of at his best. Tucker led the ACC with 1,496 rushing yards that year, finishing 4th among all NCAA RBs with 44 runs of 10+ yards.

Per Bob McGinn, formerly of The Athletic, Syracuse RB Sean Tucker was found to have "an ongoing heart issue" when he was evaluated in Indianapolis ahead of the NFL Combine in February. An anonymous executive said, "This sounds like it's not going away ... essentially, he could be done." Tucker didn't participate in drills at the Combine due to an undisclosed medical issue and notably recorded and released his independent pro day video via social media last month. There hasn't been much clarity surrounding the nature of this ailment until recently. We'll see how much validity this report has as time evolves. Tucker is set to hold an official pro day for NFL teams at Syracuse on Monday. Be sure to check back for updates tomorrow, but in the meantime, take a look at our evaluation of the 21-year-old's profile.