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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers should have a loaded backfield in 2026.
Running back Bucky Irving, who missed significant time last season due to foot and shoulder injuries, is expected to be back to full strength in time for training camp. Tampa general manager Jason Licht said a little over a week ago that Irving could be healthy enough to play in a real game "in a couple of weeks."
Irving is hoping to put his injury-riddled 2025 season in the past, and return to being the explosive back he was as a rookie in 2024.
Joining him in Tampa's backfield is free agent signing Kenneth Gainwell, who is coming to the Bucs after a career season with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year.
Gainwell is much more than just a number two running back. He is an explosive runner, like Irving, but is also one of the best receiving backs in the NFL. Even in a complimentary role, Gainwell can still put up big numbers for Tampa.
Ross Kelly of CBS Sports, using a Sportsline formula that simulates the upcoming season 10,000 times, has released a list of fantasy football breakout candidates, sleepers, and busts for the upcoming season.
That formula has the new Bucs' RB as one of fantasy football's top sleepers for 2026.
Kelly notes that Gainwell will be much more than just a backup to Irving. Head coach Todd Bowles has previously called Gainwell a 1B to Irving's 1A.
In his lone season in Pittsburgh, Gainwell totaled a career high 1,023 yards from scrimmage, and eight touchdowns, all while being part of a tandem with the Steelers' other RB, Jaylen Warren.
Gainwell provided 73 receptions last year and is now coming to a Tampa team that loves throwing the ball to its running backs. Rachaad White, who Gainwell is replacing with the Bucs, has the third-most catches from a running back in the NFL since 2022.
Kelly also points out that Gainwell's six touchdowns from inside the 10-yard line last season equaled the number of carries Irving had from inside the 10.
The new Buc is also much more than just a receiving threat, averaging an impressive 4.7 yards per carry in 2025. Irving, meanwhile, averaged only 3.4, a full two yards less than his rookie season.
The Sportsline formula predicts that Gainwell will be a better fantasy performer than clear-cut top running backs Tony Pollard and Chuba Hubbard.
Gainwell is going to be an integral part of Tampa's offense this season. He will be more than just insurance in case of another Irving injury. It would not be surprising to see something close to a 50/50 split in snaps between the two backs.
For fantasy purposes, Gainwell's perception by some as a "backup" running back gives managers a chance to draft him much later than his production warrants. That should also be the case in 2026.
Despite setting career-high numbers in 2025, Gainwell could be even better this year in Tampa. The offense is set up to be both effective and balanced, and his dual-threat talent as a runner and receiver makes him an especially attractive back for fantasy.
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Running back Bucky Irving, who missed significant time last season due to foot and shoulder injuries, is expected to be back to full strength in time for training camp. Tampa general manager Jason Licht said a little over a week ago that Irving could be healthy enough to play in a real game "in a couple of weeks."
Irving is hoping to put his injury-riddled 2025 season in the past, and return to being the explosive back he was as a rookie in 2024.
Joining him in Tampa's backfield is free agent signing Kenneth Gainwell, who is coming to the Bucs after a career season with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year.
Gainwell is much more than just a number two running back. He is an explosive runner, like Irving, but is also one of the best receiving backs in the NFL. Even in a complimentary role, Gainwell can still put up big numbers for Tampa.
Ross Kelly of CBS Sports, using a Sportsline formula that simulates the upcoming season 10,000 times, has released a list of fantasy football breakout candidates, sleepers, and busts for the upcoming season.
That formula has the new Bucs' RB as one of fantasy football's top sleepers for 2026.
Much More Than A Backup
Kelly notes that Gainwell will be much more than just a backup to Irving. Head coach Todd Bowles has previously called Gainwell a 1B to Irving's 1A.
In his lone season in Pittsburgh, Gainwell totaled a career high 1,023 yards from scrimmage, and eight touchdowns, all while being part of a tandem with the Steelers' other RB, Jaylen Warren.
Gainwell provided 73 receptions last year and is now coming to a Tampa team that loves throwing the ball to its running backs. Rachaad White, who Gainwell is replacing with the Bucs, has the third-most catches from a running back in the NFL since 2022.
Kelly also points out that Gainwell's six touchdowns from inside the 10-yard line last season equaled the number of carries Irving had from inside the 10.
The new Buc is also much more than just a receiving threat, averaging an impressive 4.7 yards per carry in 2025. Irving, meanwhile, averaged only 3.4, a full two yards less than his rookie season.
The Sportsline formula predicts that Gainwell will be a better fantasy performer than clear-cut top running backs Tony Pollard and Chuba Hubbard.
Final Thoughts
Gainwell is going to be an integral part of Tampa's offense this season. He will be more than just insurance in case of another Irving injury. It would not be surprising to see something close to a 50/50 split in snaps between the two backs.
For fantasy purposes, Gainwell's perception by some as a "backup" running back gives managers a chance to draft him much later than his production warrants. That should also be the case in 2026.
Despite setting career-high numbers in 2025, Gainwell could be even better this year in Tampa. The offense is set up to be both effective and balanced, and his dual-threat talent as a runner and receiver makes him an especially attractive back for fantasy.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
