Buccaneers' RB 'Felt Good' in Preseason Opener

One of the best things about preseason games is that players on the roster bubble get a chance to showcase their talents, and for Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-year running back Sean Tucker took his chance at the weekend.

After a rookie season that saw Tucker play 11 games (started zero) and total just 23 yards from 15 attempts, Sean is clearly ready for more in year two. With a congenital heart defect that was picked up in the draft process last season, Tucker is a feel-good story as he has fought his way back to where he's in a much better spot both physically and mentally.

And in Tampa Bay's 17-14 preseason win over the Cincinnati Bengals, he took his opportunity with both hands, rushing for 68 yards on 10 attempts while also catching two passes for eight yards.

“It felt good just to be back out there in the game, running the ball doing what I love to do,” Tucker said . “I feel like it's just been a long process, but just sticking to it and always being ready for the opportunity.”

Tucker's challenge now is to follow up on his performance against the Bengals, as Tampa Bay faces the Jacksonville Jaguars in their second preseason game.

His efforts have certainly made some sit up and take notice, and the running back has credited his performance against Cincinnati to everything becoming a little slower, thanks to this being his second NFL offseason.

“It's a big difference, just from college to pros, and the more experience you get in this league at this level, everything starts to settle down and become slower,” Tucker said. “So [that] allowed me to be able to perform better.”

The Buccaneers were one of the worst teams running the football last season, and with Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and now potentially Tucker as the leading guys in the room, maybe developing a stout run game will be the missing piece in Liem Coen's offense in 2024.

Related: Buccaneers Defeat Bengals 17-14 in Dramatic Defensive Slugfest

Not many are giving the Buccaneers a chance for the division or even making the playoffs this season, but if they can get something consistent going in the run game, that will ease the pressure on Baker Mayfield , and who knows what Tampa Bay could become.

For now, though, it's one game, and Tucker has a long way to go to prove that he deserves a spot on the final roster, but he's off to a good start.