Who Should I Start? Rachaad White or Bucky Irving

Sunday, October 12, 11:21 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White has really stepped up in the team's lead-back role the last two weeks with Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) nursing multiple injuries. In the 30-19 win over the visiting San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in Week 6, White stayed productive with a team-leading 17 rushing attempts for 65 yards and a touchdown while adding three catches on three targets for 21 additional yards. The 26-year-old hasn't been all that productive with his touches the last two weeks since seeing an expanded role in the backfield, but he has delivered for fantasy managers with a nose for the end zone, scoring three total times in the last two games with Irving out. It's unclear if Irving will return in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football, but if he misses a third straight game, White will maintain his plug-and-play RB2 status in fantasy.

Monday, October 13, 12:41 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday that running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) is not in play to return for the team's Week 7 game next Monday night against the Detroit Lions, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Irving missed a second straight game in the Week 6 win over the San Francisco 49ers due to a foot sprain and a subluxation of his shoulder, and it appears fantasy managers are going to have to wait a little longer for his return. He may be available to return for a divisional matchup in Week 8 against the New Orleans Saints. With Irving sidelined, Rachaad White hasn't exactly been the most efficient with his increased touches out of the backfield, but he has had a nose for the end zone and has scored three times in two games. Expect at least another game in the lead-back role for White against Detroit. Fantasy managers need to keep him in their lineups as a volume-based RB2.