Who Should I Start? Sean Tucker or Khalil Herbert

Saturday, February 14, 9:15 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker saw a career high of 86 carries in 2025, and although his efficiency dipped drastically from his 2024 sophomore campaign, he could see an expanded role in 2026. With fifth-year back Rachaad White scheduled to hit free agency, and a weak incoming rookie class, Tucker should slot in as Bucky Irving's primary backup/change-of-pace back. New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has already compared Irving to Bijan Robinson, whom he rode to a league-leading 2,298 yards from scrimmage with the Falcons in 2025. The unspoken silver lining is that, in Robinson's two seasons in Atlanta, backup running back Tyler Allgeier averaged 671 yards and over five touchdowns while working behind arguably the most talented back in the league. Where Tucker will need to make significant strides to stay on the field is in the passing game. He averaged an abysmal 0.58 yards per route run in 2025, his second time below 0.7 yards through his first three seasons. If Robinson can tap into Tucker's game-breaking speed and boost his efficiency while working him into the passing game, the fourth-year back could be in line for a minor breakout.

Thursday, October 2, 12:22 PM

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the New York Jets have signed running back Khalil Herbert to an undisclosed contract. Per Rapoport, the team placed running back Braelon Allen (knee) on injured reserve in a corresponding move. The Virginia Tech product was recently signed to Seattle's practice squad, but he'll now add depth in New York's backfield. With Allen out, and backfield mate Kene Nwangwu's (hamstring) status up in the air, it's possible that Herbert will see work right away behind starter Breece Hall and backup Isaiah Davis. The 27-year-old doesn't figure to be slated for a fantasy-relevant role, but he's at least on the deep handcuff radar in case the assets in front of him were to miss any time. The Jets will take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5.