Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White had a fantastic fantasy season in 2023, finishing as the WR4 in PPR scoring. He had elite usage and showed off his prowess in the receiving game, catching 64 passes for 549 yards and three touchdowns to pair with 272 rushes for 990 yards and six touchdowns.
White was drafted in the early-to-mid rounds in 2024 and is in the starting lineups of nearly everyone who drafted him. However, White showed up on the injury report ahead of Week 3.
Is Rachaad White hurt or healthy? Will White play in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos? Let's dive into the details.
White is currently dealing with a groin injury. He picked up this ailment in the game against the Detroit Lions in Week 2 and was pulled from the game for a short period before returning. White's injury isn't seen as major by the Buccaneers, and it's unlikely he'll miss Week 3's game.
Today’s Bucs-Broncos injury report… Rachaad White limited by that groin injury. Still no participation for Luke Goedeke but he was standing on the sideline and Bowles said it was positive that he was walking outdoors (although briefly as they were practicing indoors today). pic.twitter.com/V8kovCgdiM
White's participation in the remainder of the game after the injury is encouraging news, as is his logging of a limited practice. That and the Buccaneers' confidence in the minor nature of his injury should give fantasy managers some relief. White isn't likely to miss time unless he reaggravates his injury.
This is less likely now that he wasn't a full participant at practice, which is good news. He's probably getting the rest he needs to heal up as much as possible while staying active.
Rachaad White Fantasy Football Outlook
While White's injury outlook is mostly positive, his fantasy football outlook is much less so. The inefficiency problems that plagued White throughout his 2023 season have reared their head yet again. White is averaging just 1.96 yards per carry, which is horrendous for a running back.
Rachaad White efficiency data out of 48 RBs with at least 60 attempts:
By the advanced metrics, White is just a bad running back. He's a fine receiver, but he's a terrible pure runner, and it's alarming to see this alongside his rush numbers, which fell from 15 in Week 1 to 10 in Week 2. He was also only targeted one time in Week 2 after earning six targets in Week 1.
Fellow Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving, meanwhile, has seen his complementary role remain steady and enjoyed much better efficiency through three games (5.25 yards per carry). Irving's presence is increasingly signaling a timeshare between the two backs, which will frustrate White managers.
It’s always been Bucky Irving > Rachaad White
Irving is all of the following:
✅ Better pure runner
✅ Better pass catcher
✅ Better pass blocker
✅ Better between the tackles
✅ More elusive in the open field
✅ More breakaway speed
While it's a bit early to say Irving will be better than White at everything, his elusiveness is a standout trait White doesn't possess. There are problems with the run blocking in general, but all indications are that Irving and White are heading toward a backfield-by-committee. It's tough to see White replicating his 2023 production.
You still start him if you have him, especially in PPR, but he'll probably be one of the most disappointing running backs at his ADP of the 2024 fantasy season.
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