The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been hit with a significant setback on offense. The news comes directly after Tampa Bay lost a heartbreaker to the New England Patriots. Rookie running back Josh Williams has been suspended for six games by the NFL after violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy.
Suspension Details & Timeline For Buccaneers’ Josh Williams
Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The league announced that Williams will miss the next six games without pay. While the exact substance or violation details are not publicly disclosed, the effect is clear: Williams is ineligible for team activities and games through that span.
Updated Backfield Hierarchy
With Williams sidelined, Tampa Bay’s running-back depth chart now looks like this:
Rachaad White remains the lead back, firmly established as the primary ball-carrier. Wikipedia+1
Sean Tucker is slotted as the second option — a versatile back who also returns kicks and can contribute in special teams. Wikipedia+1
Bucky Irving is listed as the third back on the depth chart, though injury issues have limited his availability. ESPN.com+1
Williams had been the fourth-string option and expected to rotate in for special teams and occasional offensive snaps — that role is now on hold.
Impact on Team Strategy
Williams’ suspension comes at a challenging time for the Buccaneers. The team has already been managing multiple injuries, particularly in the backfield and special teams. With Irving sidelined and Williams unavailable, the burden on White and Tucker increases. The coaching staff may lean more heavily on White in all phases — short yardage, passing downs, and special teams — while Tucker will likely see expanded reps and kickoff-return opportunities.
Offensive coordinator Dave Canales and head coach Todd Bowles must also monitor Irving’s health status and determine whether a mid-season signing or practice-squad elevation is needed to shore up depth behind White and Tucker.
For Williams — A Professional Hurdle
Nov 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Josh Williams (18) runs for a gain during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Nov 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Josh Williams (18) runs for a gain during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
For Josh Williams, this suspension halts momentum at a critical point in his early career. Having signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent out of LSU, Williams had shown promise during training camp and in early limited action.
Now, he faces a dual challenge: regaining trust with teammates, coaches and the organization, and returning to football shape and readiness once reinstated. The Buccaneers will evaluate his role when he returns — whether he resumes in a special-teams role, as a backup, or possibly earns more offensive snaps.
Looking Ahead — What It Means for Tampa Bay
As Williams sits out the next six games, how Tampa Bay handles the next stretch of the schedule becomes crucial. The team must navigate multiple divisional matchups and key contests in the NFC South. If the running game dips or depth suffers, the suspension’s impact could extend beyond just one player.
When Williams returns, likely after the suspension window ends, the hope is for a reset and fresh opportunity — both for him and for the Buccaneers to solidify their backfield rotation heading into December and potential postseason pushes.
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