The Buccaneers' offense thrives through the air, but Tampa is hoping the running game can be a major factor Sunday in New Orleans.
Tampa is looking to take advantage of a Saints offense led by rookie QB Spencer Rattler and build an early cushion, which would some of the pressure off Baker Mayfield and the passing game after a shootout loss to the Falcons in Week 5.
The Buccaneers could run the ball often, but which running back will take the lead in the backfield has been up in the air leading up to Sunday as he deals with a foot injury.
Here are the latest details on White's status for Week 6 and his chances of suiting up.
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Is Rachaad White playing this week?
White is listed as doubtful for the Buccaneers' Week 6 game against the Saints, so it would be a surprise to see him suit up.
The third-year RB hasn't missed a game this season, but he evidently suffered a foot injury late in Tampa's Week 5 loss to the Falcons. White was limited in practice Wednesday but did not participate on Thursday, casting doubt over his game status.
Todd Bowles initially called White a game-time decision, but the running back's "doubtful" tag indicates he's not likely to play.
White hasn't yet missed a game in his NFL career. His streak of 39 consecutive games to start his career is very much in jeopardy, and his absence could allow a Buccaneers rookie to emerge on the national stage.
Here's a look at Tampa's running back depth chart with White's status in doubt.
Buccaneers running back depth chart
| Name | Rank |
| 1. | Rachaad White |
| 2. | Bucky Irving |
| 3. | Sean Tucker |
| 4. | D.J. Williams (practice squad) |
If White can't play, it will be rookie Bucky Irving leading the Buccaneers' backfield.
Irving, a fourth-round pick out of Oregon in April, was already closing in on White's workload. He's received at least 10 touches in four of his first five NFL games and has impressed with his efficiency, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. That's an area White has struggled in, so Irving has carved out a role for himself even when White is healthy.
With White likely out, Irving has a chance to wrestle more touches away from him in a Buccaneers offense that is fairly light on the run.
Tucker is a second-year player from Syracuse, and he has just two carries through five games this season. He still made his presence felt with a 53-yard kickoff return against the Falcons in Week 5, but nothing more than a small, complementary role should be anticipated even with White doubtful.
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Rachaad White fantasy outlook Week 6
White appears to be trending in the wrong direction for Week 6, so it doesn't look like he will be a fantasy option against the Saints. Irving, however, should be. He's been efficient all season long and already has the trust of Buccaneers OC Liam Coen.
With Tampa a strong candidate to take a sizable lead over a Saints team led by a rookie quarterback making his first start, Irving could see plenty of work out of the backfield and even through the air.
Be sure to also check out our Sleepers and Flex Finder articles, where the Sporting News' fantasy team highlights several running backs that belong in starting lineups this week.
