Rachaad White scored nine touchdowns last season and was a key piece of the Bucs offense even after Bucky Irving became the No. 1 running back.
So why did White have a historically low number of touches Sunday?
Offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard needs to figure that out in a hurry.
Joe hasn’t always been a White fan, but White proved himself completely last season with nine touchdowns. White was very solid running and was a weapon in the passing game.
Those nine TDs were a big number. Iconic fullback/running back Mike Alstott hit nine touchdowns (or more) just twice in his storied Bucs career, same for 1980s Bucs great James Wilder. Warrick Dunn got there once in Tampa, so did Doug Martin and Leonard Fournette.
White had just three touches against Atlanta on Sunday, less than he had in any game last season and his fewest in a game since Week 3 of his rookie year in 2022.
After back-to-back runs of 11 and 3 yards early in Sunday’s second quarter, White did not get another carry while Bucky Irving struggled.
Joe expects the Bucs to find more ways to get White involved. A player can’t be a weapon if he’s not used.