NFL Rumors: Buccaneers to Start Rookie Running Back in Week 12

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers experimented with a change in their starting lineup in Week 10's 21-16 win over the Seattle Seahawks, and they apparently liked what they saw. The Athletic's Bucs reporter Greg Auman said he expects the team to continue starting rookie running back Rachaad White when they return from their Week 11 bye.

I’d expect White to start. Who gets more touches rest of the way hinges on who produces.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) November 15, 2022

White got the start on Sunday, running the ball 22 times for 105 yards. He and typical starter Leonard Fournette carried similar loads until Fournette exited with a hip injury in the third quarter. Though Fournette is not expected to miss time, the injury will likely serve as a good excuse for the Bucs to see what they have in White.

White's strong effort against the Seahawks helped the Bucs claw their way out of a dead-last ranking in rushing yards per game all the way to 31st. They remain last in rushing yards per attempt. White has narrowly outgained Fournette on a per-carry basis (3.7 to 3.4), but Fournette has proven more reliable as a pass catcher, averaging 6.3 yards per target to White's 5.4.

White joined the Buccaneers as their 91st overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He profiled as an explosive athlete who could contribute as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. He ran for 1000 yards in his final season with Arizona State and added another 456 yards through the air.